Thousands of Ukrainian Children Remain in Russia Amid Ongoing Controversy
STRASBOURG, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 - In a heart-wrenching display of the human cost of war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared the story of 14-year-old Sasha from Mariupol, Ukraine, during her State of the Union address to the European Parliament on Wednesday. The young boy's tale of being separated from his mother and taken to a "filtration camp" in occupied Donetsk has sparked international outrage and raised questions about Russia's treatment of Ukrainian children.
According to von der Leyen, Sasha was only 11 when Russian soldiers stormed Mariupol in 2022, marking the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission President emphasized that Sasha's story is not an isolated case, highlighting the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children who remain in Russia.
"We have evidence that many Ukrainian children were taken from their families and transferred to Russia," von der Leyen said. "This is a clear violation of international law and a grave human rights abuse."
Sasha's grandmother, Liudmila, who lives in an area under Ukrainian control, was able to bring him back home after he called her from occupied Donetsk. However, Sasha's mother remains missing, and their family's fate hangs in the balance.
Russia has denied allegations of abducting Ukrainian children, claiming that they are simply providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. However, human rights organizations and international observers have documented numerous cases of children being taken from their families and subjected to ideological screening before being transferred to Russia.
The use of "filtration camps" in occupied territories has been a hallmark of Russia's military strategy in Ukraine. These camps are designed to subject Ukrainians to ideological screening, with the goal of identifying potential opponents of Russian rule.
The controversy surrounding Ukrainian children in Russia has sparked a heated debate about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in monitoring and mitigating human rights abuses. Experts say that AI can play a crucial role in detecting patterns of abuse and providing early warning systems for humanitarian crises.
"AI can help us identify potential hotspots of human rights abuse, allowing us to respond more quickly and effectively," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on AI and human rights. "However, we must also ensure that AI is used responsibly and in accordance with international law."
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, the international community remains committed to supporting the Ukrainian people and holding Russia accountable for its actions.
Background:
The conflict in Ukraine began in 2014 when pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted from power. Since then, tensions have escalated into a full-scale invasion by Russian forces in 2022. The war has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, including many children who have been separated from their families.
Additional Perspectives:
The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of using children as "human shields" to deter attacks on occupied territories. Human rights organizations have also reported cases of children being subjected to forced labor and other forms of exploitation in Russian-occupied areas.
Current Status and Next Developments:
The European Union has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking Russian officials over their alleged role in the abduction of Ukrainian children. The United Nations has also called for an investigation into the use of "filtration camps" in occupied territories.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains committed to supporting the Ukrainian people and holding Russia accountable for its actions.
*Reporting by Dw.*
