The European Parliament has officially condemned the Russian Federation's policy of deporting children from occupied territories of Ukraine. In the adopted resolution, the actions of the Russian authorities were recognized as meeting the legal definition of genocide.
Voting details and MEP demands
A majority of MEPs voted in favor of the document. During the discussion, European Parliament representatives emphasized that the issue of returning children must not become a bargaining chip linked to territorial concessions or prisoner exchanges.
The resolution pays special attention to the military training of Ukrainian youth in territories controlled by the Russian Federation. MEPs condemned training in drone and weapons handling, as well as the involvement of teenagers in the "Yunarmia" organization. Furthermore, the European Parliament demanded the immediate closure of internet catalogs offering Ukrainian children for adoption.
Official accountability and the role of Russian leadership
During the debates, Latvian MEP Riihards Kolss, representing the 'European Conservatives and Reformists' group, noted that thousands of employees and camp administrators are involved in the process of forging documents for children. He called for expanding sanctions to everyone ensuring the operation of this system.
"The deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia is a policy of the Russian government personally approved by Vladimir Putin,"
European diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas also expressed concern that Russia may use kidnapped children to participate in combat operations against Ukraine.
