Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 3, 2025 Peace and security
The resolution, proposed by a number of countries, including Ukraine, was supported by 91 countries, 12 voted against, and 57 abstained. Resolution demands that the Russian Federation ensure the "immediate, safe and unconditional" return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly displaced or deported.
The General Assembly also called on Russia to immediately cease any further practice of forced displacement, deportation, separation of children from their families and legal guardians, changes in their personal status, including through the granting of citizenship, adoption or placement in foster families, as well as the practice of ideological indoctrination.
The document calls on the Secretary-General to use his good offices, including through the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, to remain actively engaged in this issue.
"Imagine: you're 16 years old, going about your daily business… Suddenly, soldiers with machine guns and balaclavas burst into your home," said General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, opening the meeting. "They force you into a car and drive you off to an unknown destination, where you spend months in a horrific situation. They even change your name."
Sharing the story of this Ukrainian child—one of thousands who, according to Baerbock, were forcibly displaced, adopted, or sent for military training in the Russian Federation—she noted that many of these children may not be aware of the role played by the UN General Assembly. But they understand the responsibility it carries. "We must listen to the voices of the people—especially the most vulnerable, children," she emphasized.
According to the President of the General Assembly, international law, particularly Article 49 of the Geneva Convention, unequivocally prohibits the forced displacement or deportation of children from occupied territories. "What we are witnessing is not just a tragedy for individual children, but a violation of international law," she said.
Ukraine: "This resolution is about humanity"
"This resolution is not about politics," the representative of Ukraine said, addressing the General Assembly before the vote. "It is about humanity. There can be no doubt that every child deserves to live in a home where they feel loved."
According to her, "during the Russian Federation's aggressive war against Ukraine, children are killed, wounded, raped, separated from their families, and deported." "It is inconceivable that anyone would consider children war trophies," the Ukrainian diplomat said.
Moscow's so-called "rescue operations," the Ukrainian representative noted, are in fact "cynical missions to exterminate Ukrainians and take away their children." According to her, the Russian Federation has deported at least 20,000 Ukrainian children to date. While some have been returned, the fate of many remains unknown.
Recalling that the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials accused of involvement in these crimes, she emphasized that the occupying power bears full responsibility for the return of Ukrainian children. "No child should be separated from their family," she said, calling on the General Assembly to intercede for Ukrainian children.
Russia: The resolution's purpose is to "promote the narrative of Russia's alleged deportation."
Speaking before the vote, Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Maria Zabolotskaya, noted that the special session should not have resumed its work, as its goal contradicts the purposes and principles of the UN, as enshrined in its Charter, and is to "thwart the achievement of a long-term peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis."
"The purpose of this text [of the resolution] is certainly not to help children," she stated. "Its purpose is to advance the narrative of Russia's alleged deportation of children. For several years now, we've been hearing the figure of 20,000 children allegedly deported. This figure hasn't changed, and it's not supported by any lists or any inquiries from parents or relatives. We've never seen any relatives of the children allegedly deported to Russia."
She recalled that the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Holy See, and the State of Qatar are acting as mediators in this matter, and that the Russian leadership also supported the initiative of US First Lady Melania Trump to take part in the fate of children affected by military action.
"You won't learn from the resolution that child reunification is a two-way street," said Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative. "122 children returned to Ukraine and 29 children returned to Russia."
In June of this year, Ukraine handed over a list of 339 names to Russia in Istanbul. Some of those listed were adults, while others had never been to Russia, the rapporteur added.
Zabolotskaya also refuted reports of Russia's violations of international humanitarian law and the forced adoption of Ukrainian children.
At the end of her speech, the Russian representative stated that “every vote cast in favor of the resolution is support for lies, war, and confrontation; every vote against is a vote for peace.”
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