The full-scale war in Ukraine is now into its fifth year. After an abrupt end to the latest round of U.S.-brokered peace talks, Ukraine continues to face pressure to cede its eastern regions to Russia, including areas still under Ukrainian control. With no end to the conflict in sight, Canada should focus international attention — particularly that of the United States — on the abduction of Ukrainian children and the terrible cost of occupation in Russian-controlled territories. Doing so could help take pressure off Ukraine to acquiesce to demands for territory it still holds and unblock a major obstacle to peace.  

Since Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, at least 20,000 cases of children being abducted and forcibly transferred by Russia have been reported. However, exact numbers are uncertain and are likely to be higher. These children are often vulnerable. They come from Ukrainian state-run institutions that house children who are orphaned, disabled or are put under state guardianship for welfare reasons. Others are separated from their parents during hostilities. Some have been deliberately taken from their parents at checkpoints by Russian forces and transferred to Russian territory.

Russia claims its actions constitute humanitarian evacuations and argues that it is in the children’s interest to remain under Russian control. Even when justified, evacuations of children must be temporary and prioritize reuniting families and returning children to their own country. Instead, Russia has failed to comply with the most essential special protections afforded to children and their families under the Fourth........

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