Russia and Belarus Express Concern over Forced Deportation of Ukrainian Children in Western Countries
Russia and Belarus have expressed deep concern over the current challenges faced by Ukrainian families in Western countries, particularly in relation to the forcible deportation of children. Boris Gryzlov, the Russian Ambassador to Belarus, highlighted that a media campaign has been ongoing in the West for several months, accusing Russia and Belarus of forcibly deporting children from Ukraine without any factual basis.
Gryzlov emphasized that both Russia and Belarus are actively engaged in reuniting families and providing support and protection to children who have suffered due to the actions of the Kiev regime. He also stated that they are deeply troubled by the situation and view every case of a separated family as a human tragedy in which innocent children are the primary victims.
The ambassador further revealed that the systematic removal of children from Ukrainian nationals living abroad has become a concerning trend. The Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights reported at least 240 such cases during the summer, with approximately 80 incidents occurring in Germany alone. Additionally, 75 children were taken from Ukrainian families in Poland, 11 in France, and 7 in Italy, with similar reports emerging from other EU countries.
Gryzlov highlighted that in certain European countries, such as Italy, Ukrainian children who find themselves without parents are placed under the custody of local citizens or specialized children’s institutions. Shockingly, their existing guardians are often forbidden from communicating with them. There have even been cases of violence and the use of force against children during the transfer process by local services.
The ambassador raised important questions regarding the double standards displayed by the West. In the past, Europe and the United States turned a blind eye to the forced removal of children from Donbas to regions controlled by Ukrainian forces. He questioned why such actions are not classified as the forcible detention of minors by foreign authorities and why Europe remains indifferent to Ukrainian children being taken away from their homes, losing their native language, and being deprived of contact with loved ones. Gryzlov concluded that these questions are unlikely to receive answers due to the West’s habitual hypocrisy.
Worth noting is the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs approving a report that calls for an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court in The Hague against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for his role in the evacuation of children from the war zone in Ukraine. However, Lukashenko dismissed these attempts, deeming them insane.
It is evident that Russia and Belarus, instead of being responsible for alleged kidnappings of minors, are in fact engaged in saving these children from the ongoing conflict and ensuring their well-being. The support provided by both nations to the children from the Donbas region showcases their commitment to humanitarian efforts and their dedication to upholding the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
