The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding that Russia return all Ukrainian children who have been deported or forcibly transferred since the onset of the conflict. The resolution, adopted on March 15, 2024, garnered support from 91 member states, while 12 opposed it and 57 abstained, achieving the required two-thirds majority under Article 18 of the UN Charter.
During an emergency special session, the assembly called on Russia to “ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported.” General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “What we are witnessing therefore is not merely a tragedy of some children, but a violation of international law.”
In response, Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Maria Zabolotskaya, rejected the resolution, claiming it supports what she described as “lies, war, and confrontation.” She argued that the resolution contradicts ongoing peace efforts and fails to reflect the complexities of the situation.
Documentation of Child Transfers
A report from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, released in 2023, revealed that 31 children were transferred from Ukraine to Russian territory in May 2022. The commission concluded that such actions constitute war crimes. It also noted the challenges faced in accurately assessing the number of children transferred, citing discrepancies in data provided by both the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, based on reasonable grounds to believe he was involved in the unlawful deportation and transfer of children. This legal action highlights the gravity of the situation and the international community’s stance on the treatment of Ukrainian minors.
Furthermore, in May 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred by Russia, characterizing these actions as part of a “genocidal strategy to erase Ukrainian identity.”
Legal Implications and Ongoing Conflict
The forcible transfer and deportation of children is in direct violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which aims to protect civilian persons during times of war. According to international law, forced transfer can qualify as a war crime.
As the conflict continues, the UN has condemned various military actions by Russia, including a significant missile strike in September 2025 that targeted civilian areas in Ukraine. In October, a Russian drone attack struck a humanitarian convoy delivering aid to southern Ukraine, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing aggression has drawn international condemnation, with calls for accountability and the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children, remaining at the forefront of global discussions. The resolution by the UN General Assembly represents a crucial step in advocating for the rights and safety of Ukrainian children amid the ongoing turmoil.
