Yale Study: Russian Planes Involved in the Deportation of Ukrainian Children
Probe uncovers Kremlin-backed initiative to relocate children during the Ukraine conflict
A report from Yale's School of Public Health, backed by the US State Department, has uncovered a coordinated initiative by Russia to transfer 314 Ukrainian children from occupied regions to Russia.
Employing presidential aircraft and financial resources, the program allegedly seeks to erase these children's Ukrainian identity and integrate them into Russian culture.
The findings are part of an effort to document international law violations, spearheaded by Professor Nathaniel Raymond from Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab.
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for the suspected deportation of Ukrainian children.
Lvova-Belova asserted that the actions were meant to protect the children in conflict areas.
The Kremlin and her office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The report details the use of military aircraft under Putin’s administration to transport these children and describes how they undergo "patriotic re-education" in Russia.
Based on the data, 166 children have been placed with Russian families, while others remain in Russian institutions.
The study utilized Russian governmental adoption records and flight tracking information to piece together the program’s logistics and funding.
Former US Ambassador Stephen Rapp examined the report, noting evidence of changes in Russian laws to enable such transfers.
Ukraine estimates around 19,500 children have been relocated since the conflict's inception.
Though Russia denies any wrongdoing and does not acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction, these allegations carry considerable international consequences.
Employing presidential aircraft and financial resources, the program allegedly seeks to erase these children's Ukrainian identity and integrate them into Russian culture.
The findings are part of an effort to document international law violations, spearheaded by Professor Nathaniel Raymond from Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab.
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for the suspected deportation of Ukrainian children.
Lvova-Belova asserted that the actions were meant to protect the children in conflict areas.
The Kremlin and her office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The report details the use of military aircraft under Putin’s administration to transport these children and describes how they undergo "patriotic re-education" in Russia.
Based on the data, 166 children have been placed with Russian families, while others remain in Russian institutions.
The study utilized Russian governmental adoption records and flight tracking information to piece together the program’s logistics and funding.
Former US Ambassador Stephen Rapp examined the report, noting evidence of changes in Russian laws to enable such transfers.
Ukraine estimates around 19,500 children have been relocated since the conflict's inception.
Though Russia denies any wrongdoing and does not acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction, these allegations carry considerable international consequences.
