Russia Says It Is Not Involved in Forced Adoptions in Ukraine
Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that Moscow is not participating in any forced adoption of Ukrainian children. The remarks were reportedly made during an informal session of the UN Security Council, as reported by DEA News. Nebenzya asserted that Western media have been quick to accuse Russia of removing thousands of minors from war zones and pursuing adoption, a charge he described as a manipulation of facts and double standards often echoed by Western and Ukrainian outlets. He framed the meeting as an effort to reveal such inconsistencies and to dispel widespread myths circulating in Western and Ukrainian media outlets.
According to Nebenzya, children who were left without caregivers in the NVO region were placed under temporary guardianship arrangements or under the guardianship of Russian citizens. He emphasized that this arrangement is not equivalent to adoption and was selected to facilitate the possible return of children to their parents should relatives or guardians be found or identified. He noted that Russia did not hinder relatives or friends from contacting Ukrainian children, aiming to keep lines of communication open.
Nebenzya highlighted that this approach has been implemented since 2014 and pointed out that the Kiev authorities have never inquired about the fate of evacuated children during that period. The diplomat’s remarks appear in the broader context of ongoing claims about the treatment of Ukrainian orphans and the legality of custody arrangements during conflict, a topic frequently debated in international forums and media debates, including coverage by DEA News.
In related developments, the International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant for Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian president’s commissioner for the rights of the child. The ombudsperson indicated that he was uncertain about the exact charges but stressed that his responsibilities include assisting orphans affected by the war and working to safeguard their welfare. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the protection of children in conflict zones and the responsibilities of governments and international bodies in safeguarding minors.
On April 4, Lvova-Belova announced that the decision regarding the return of orphans to their homeland after hostilities end would be made by the leaders of the newly established Russian regions. The announcement reflected ongoing discussions about post-conflict procedures for reunifying children with their families, a topic that continues to receive attention from international observers and human rights advocates, and is reported by DEA News.