Alarming American research – Thousands of Ukrainian children in Russian camps

Since the start of Russia’s offensive war against Ukraine nearly a year ago, children as young as four months old have been taken to Russian camps, according to the US State Department-funded study. Its goals include “pro-Russian patriotic” and military education. In some cases, children received firearms training. However, there is no evidence that the children were sent to war.

“Clear Violation” of the Geneva Convention
Yale researcher Nathaniel Raymond said Russia’s actions constitute a “clear violation” of the Fourth Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilians in War. In some cases it could amount to “a war crime and a crime against humanity”. Raymond compared the Russian actions to kidnappings. The study’s authors are calling for independent monitors to access the camps and end Russian adoptions of Ukrainian children.

The research is based, among other things, on the evaluation of satellite images. Accordingly, the actual number of Ukrainian children brought to the camp is likely to be “significantly higher” than the at least 6,000 identified.

Ukraine is counting on many more victims
Ukraine recently said that more than 14,700 children have been deported from the country to Russia. Some have been victims of sexual abuse. Russia claims to care for orphans and to provide medical care for children. On February 24, 2022, the Russian army invaded Ukraine.