Ukrainian families face difficult search for missing kids

author cws August 27, 2025

8 Less than a minute

Families torn apart amid mass exodus from Ukraine face uncertain ... — ABC News - The Walt Disney Company

Ralph Martin

August 26, 2025

Russia has abducted some 20,000 Ukrainian children since it first invaded Ukraine in early 2022. Only a fraction have returned home. Families face a difficult search, with some taking drastic steps in hopes of rescuing their children.

Thousands of Ukrainian children remain missing after being taken to Russia or Russian-occupied areas. Ukraine has documented nearly 20,000 cases of abduction or forced transfer, but only around 1,350 have returned. Many face indoctrination and language bans.

Families are risking dangerous journeys to bring them home. The International Criminal Court has indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin for these deportations, calling them a war crime.