The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution demanding that Russia return Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred from occupied territories, in a vote that reflects continued international pressure on Moscow over its wartime conduct.
The resolution calls on Russia to immediately cease the forced transfer and deportation of children from areas of Ukraine under its temporary control, and to ensure their safe return to Ukrainian territory. The measure passed with broad support from UN member states, though Russia and several allies voted against it.
Ukrainian authorities have documented thousands of cases of children being removed from occupied territories and transferred to Russia or Russian-controlled areas, often through programs that involve re-education and adoption by Russian families. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian officials in connection with the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.
Human rights organizations have condemned the forced transfers as a violation of the Geneva Conventions and a war crime. The UN resolution adds diplomatic pressure on Moscow, though enforcement mechanisms remain limited without Security Council action, where Russia holds veto power.