A new investigation by Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab has found evidence that President Vladimir Putin and senior Russian officials “intentionally and directly” authorized a program of coerced fostering and adoption of Ukrainian children during the war in Ukraine. The report, which analyzed 314 cases, describes a systematic and organized effort to take control of the children.
The investigation reveals direct orders from Mr. Putin to carry out the adoption program, with Russian officials working closely with those in occupied regions of Ukraine. Financial support was also provided by the Russian president’s office. The treatment of these Ukrainian children may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.
The Kremlin has denied committing war crimes and claims the adoptions are a humanitarian effort to help abandoned children. However, international organizations have condemned Russia’s actions, including the U.S. Department State, which announced new sanctions in August over “forced deportation, transfer, and confinement of Ukraine’s children.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/world/europe/russia-ukraine-children-deportation-adoption.html