Thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are being “reeducated” in at least 210 facilities across Russia and occupied territories, a Yale Humanitarian Research Lab study revealed on September 16.
Researchers found children subjected to “forced militarization,” with some put through combat and paratrooper training while others were made to help produce drones and other military equipment. The report cites satellite imagery and open-source data.
Ukraine says more than 19,500 children have been abducted since the invasion began, with only about 1,600 returned. The International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children’s rights commissioner over the transfers.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he will raise the issue at the upcoming UN General Assembly, joined by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The impacts of child exploitation like this are devastating. Beyond facing threats to their lives, exposure to extreme violence has a direct correlation with long-term psychological trauma. In this gallery, learn more about the children caught in the crossfire. Click on for more.