The abduction and forcible deportation of Ukrainian children is a central element of Russia’s war of aggression. Far from isolated abuses, these actions are part of a systematic, state-sponsored campaign aimed at erasing Ukraine’s national identity and European future.
The Stockholm Free World Forum and Nordic Ukraine Forum briefing “Stolen Futures” outlines the methods, purpose, and scale of Russia’s forced deportations and abductions of Ukrainian children. In showing how Russia weaponizes demographics and erases identities, policy makers can better implement mechanisms that can facilitate the return of stolen Ukrainian children, ensure a just peace, and hold Russia accountable for its crimes against humanity.
The return of Ukrainian children is central to a just peace and requires a sustained international response with accountability at its core. The safe return of stolen Ukrainian children – those who will build Ukraine’s European future – must be seen as a key task in this support.
Stockholm Free World Forum and Nordic Ukraine Forum would like to thank Vladyslav Havrylov, Ukrainian historian; Dmytro Raiyski, Advocacy Manager at PR Army; and Oksana Lebedeva, Founder of Gen.Ukrainian for their input during the roundtable discussion held on May 12, 2025, which contributed to this paper.