Russia Returns 34 Children from Syrian Refugee Camps to the Homeland
A senior Russian official overseeing child rights confirmed that 34 Russian children living in refugee camps in northeastern Syria have been transported back to Russia. The return was coordinated with the support of the country’s state bodies and medical teams dedicated to safeguarding the health of the minors during the journey and after their arrival. The information came from the press service of the Ombudsman for Children’s Rights, who described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to reunite children with their families and kin in Russia.
The report notes that the 34 children, aged between four and sixteen, arrived at Chkalovsky Airport near Moscow on a military aircraft operated by the Russian Military Space Forces. The presence of a medical team throughout the flight underscores the priority given to the children’s health and safety during international travel and repatriation efforts. Upon arrival, medical examinations were planned to assess the well-being of each child, with results guiding the next steps in custody arrangements and social support arrangements for the families involved.
The Ombudsman’s office stated that most of the children are reported to be in satisfactory condition, though some are reported to have infectious illnesses while others have kidney or heart-related concerns. Health professionals accompanying the group will conduct comprehensive checkups, and specialists will determine appropriate treatments or ongoing care needs. After medical clearance, the children will be placed under the guardianship of relatives who are prepared to provide stable living arrangements and ongoing support as they transition back to life in Russia. The overall plan emphasizes careful, continuous monitoring and access to medical services within the family network and local communities.
The press service indicated that documents remain ready for more than 150 additional children, suggesting that further repatriation operations are anticipated in the near future. Officials noted that another cohort of minors will be prepared for return in the coming weeks, following the same procedures designed to ensure safety, health, and proper guardianship for each child involved. This ongoing program reflects a broader commitment to family reunification and the lawful protection of Russian children abroad, with coordination among the relevant government agencies to manage logistics, health screenings, and custodial arrangements.
Earlier statements from the Ombudsman’s office referenced plans to operate a broader repatriation project that could involve returning as many as 200 Russian children from Syria. The capacity and timing of such efforts depend on travel permissions, security considerations, and the ability to provide suitable post-arrival care and family support. Officials stressed that safety, health, and the best interests of the children remain the guiding priorities in every phase of the operation, from travel to reintegration in their home communities. The operations also involve ensuring continuity of medical treatment for children already back in Russia, with a focus on promptly addressing any injuries or long-standing health conditions identified during the repatriation process. The overall objective is to minimize disruption to the minors while restoring a stable environment in which they can rebuild their lives with the help of their relatives and local support systems.