A team at Yale University has found evidence that Russia has abducted over 148 Ukrainian children, forcing them to take Russian identities. The researchers hacked into Russian adoption databases using open-source intelligence and satellite images. They claim that the program was ordered by Vladimir Putin and carried out by top Russian officials. At least 67 of these children have been naturalized as Russian citizens.
The evidence, part of a larger report on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, shows how Russia’s government allegedly took away Ukrainian orphans from Eastern Ukraine. Once adopted, it becomes difficult to track the children. The report believes there could be thousands more victims.
Ukraine is calling for Russia to provide a register of all Ukrainian children in its custody. Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, stated that “Ukraine will not rest until our children are returned home and those responsible are held accountable.”
The findings will be presented to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, with representatives from Ukraine’s government and Yale’s investigators attending a special meeting.
Source: https://www.scrippsnews.com/world/yale-researchers-hacked-a-russian-adoption-database-and-found-148-stolen-ukrainian-orphans