The recent decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which allows for the granting of Russian citizenship to Ukrainian children moved to Russia, has been met with condemnation by Ukraine. This move has sparked international concern, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) previously issuing an arrest warrant for President Putin over allegations of forced child deportations. While Russia argues that it is safeguarding the children from harm, Ukraine deems the decree illegal and a violation of Ukrainian and international laws regarding children’s rights.
The citizenship decree, signed on 4th January, expedites the process of granting Russian citizenship to foreigners and stateless individuals. The Ukrainian foreign ministry specifically highlights the provision allowing orphaned Ukrainian children or those deprived of parental guardianship to fast-track Russian citizenship through a presidential decision or institutional request. The application for citizenship can be submitted by either the child’s legal guardian or the head of the Russian organization responsible for their care.
Ukraine perceives this as an attempt by Russia to address its own demographic crisis through forced assimilation. The Ukrainian foreign ministry accuses Russia of violating international laws as well as children’s rights. It claims that this move is emblematic of Russia’s overall policy of assimilation and its commitment to crimes against Ukraine. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s Commissioner for Human Rights, suggests that Russia is granting citizenship to these children to downplay their Ukrainian identity after being transferred to Russia.
The Ukrainian authorities have identified over 19,000 Ukrainian children who have been deported to Russia since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. However, only a fraction of these children, 387 to be precise, have been repatriated so far, according to the Ukrainian national database Children of war. This revelation raises concerns about the well-being and future prospects of these displaced children.
In a disturbing report by the BBC’s Panorama TV programme in November 2023, it was revealed that a political ally of President Putin had adopted a child who was taken from a Ukrainian children’s home. Sergey Mironov, the leader of a Russian political party, is listed as the adoptive parent of a two-year-old girl who was seized in 2022 and is now married to the woman involved in the adoption. These findings further substantiate the allegations of forced deportations and highlight the potential involvement of prominent individuals in such actions.
The International Criminal Court had already issued an arrest warrant for President Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, over allegations of war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized that children should not be treated as “spoils of war” and suggested that Putin could face trial for a range of charges.
The impact of this decree and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia on children’s lives cannot be overstated. Children have become victims of political turmoil and are being uprooted from their homes and forced into unfamiliar environments. Furthermore, the potential loss of their Ukrainian identity and cultural heritage is a grave concern.
Amidst this crisis, mothers from Ukraine have risked their lives by going behind enemy lines to track down and rescue their stolen children. These courageous acts reflect the desperation and determination of parents who refuse to give up in their relentless pursuit of their children’s safety and well-being. Their stories shed light on the human toll of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the imperative need for international attention and intervention.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s condemnation of President Putin’s citizenship decree highlights the violation of children’s rights and international laws. The forced assimilation of Ukrainian children and the alleged crimes committed against Ukraine are deeply concerning. The lack of repatriation efforts and the revelations of influential individuals involved in forced adoptions further compound the severity of the situation. The international community must acknowledge and address the plight of these displaced children, ensuring their safety, well-being, and the preservation of their cultural identity.
