Over 1.5M Ukrainian children remain under Russian control

This was discussed at an expanded meeting of the Presidium of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine, chaired by Head of the Presidential Office Andrii Yermak, Ukrinform reports, citing the Congress website.

“One of the most painful topics was discussed — Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. The Ministry of Justice has already created a special registry that allows for systematically collecting information on each child. Active participation of regional authorities in this work is expected. Over 1.5 million children are under Russian control, and the state must know the fate of every child,” the statement reads.

The meeting on September 10 focused on implementing the strategy to ensure Ukrainian children’s right to grow up in a family environment. The Head of the Presidential Office instructed that this strategy be made a key priority at the regional and local levels in the coming year.

“Unfortunately, today we must acknowledge that this problem persists. This issue should become a priority in every region. We are ready for any decisions — at the government level, at the President’s level, and at the parliamentary level — that would allow you to truly create the best conditions in every region,” Yermak emphasized.

During the meeting, the topics of legislative support for regional policies, government programs, and funding — including with international partners — were also raised.

As reported by Ukrinform, in spring 2025 the Ministry of Justice completed the technical stage of creating the Registry of information on deported or forcibly displaced children. In May, the submission of the first individual cases to the verified database began.

Photo: Bring Kids Back UA