Russia violating fundamental principles of child protection - UN refugee chief

Russia is violating the fundamental principles of child protection in wartime by giving Ukrainian children Russian passports and putting them up for adoption.

According to Ukrinform, the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR) chief, Filippo Grandi, said this in an interview with Reuters.

"Giving them (Russian) nationality or having them adopted goes against the fundamental principles of child protection in situations of war," Grandi said.

According to him, what is happening now in Russia "must not happen."

Grandi said his agency was unable to estimate the number of children who had been given passports or put up for adoption, as access in Russia was extremely limited.

"We are seeking access all the time, and access has been rather rare, sporadic and not unfettered," he said.