Washington – Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) introduced a House concurrent resolution Condemning the Russian Federation’s Kidnapping of Ukrainian Children, along with cosponsors Reps. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-35), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Doug Lamalfa (R-CA-01), Doug Lamborn (R-CO-05), Nancy Mace (R-SC-01), Joe Morelle (D-NT-25), Jame Raskin (D-MD-08) , to bring attention to the alarming acts taken against the children of Ukraine.

 Between February 24, 2022, and March 22, 2023, 16,226 children in Ukraine have been taken from their families by the Russian Federation through forced transfers and deportations. In March, the United Nations Human Rights Council determined that the Russian actions are a violation of human rights and on March 17, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Putin for these kidnappings.

 When the Russians take these children, they are sent to “reeducation camps” where they wait until a foster Russian family is found. Some are told their parents are dead or that they are no longer needed or wanted by their families.

 “There are no two ways about this, the Russian Federation is abducting children and trafficking them to other families in Russia,” said Bacon. “We cannot sit by as Vladimir Putin acts like a ruthless dictator and steals children to try and build up Mother Russia. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, and siblings in Ukraine are crying out for their family members and I cannot imagine the devastation they are feeling as they have no idea where the children are.”

 “The abductions of Ukrainian children by Russia are illegal and absolutely inhumane,” said Panetta.  “Our bipartisan resolution not only condemns the illicit transfer of these children by the Russian government, it also calls for the return of all Ukrainian children to their home country.  This resolution is another way that the United States Congress is taking a stand against Russia and its illegal forced deportations, and it’s a strong symbol of the enduring support by the United States for the Ukrainian government, families, and children."

 On Tuesday, Bacon delivered a floor speech asking his colleagues to join his resolution and sharing the story of Sashko and his mother Snizhana, who were captured in Mariupol in March 2022 and separated in the filtration camp – not even allowing them to say goodbye to each other. Sashko was taken to have an eye injury treated and was then placed in an orphanage. After some time, he found a phone and secretly called his grandmother. She gathered all of his documents and risked her own freedom and possible detainment to go and get him. With his grandmother’s efforts, his courage, and the assistance of a large network of government and non-government entities, they were happily reunited. Sadly, they have not heard from his mother or even know where she is.

 While this story is hopeful, there are only approximately 307 other children who share the same happiness of being returned to their families in Ukraine. We must join and support the Child Rights International Network, Bethany Christian Services, International Social Services, Omaha, Neb.-based Set Me Free, Voices of Children and approximately 34 other organizations who are working together to save these children.

 The resolution strongly condemns this practice by the Russian Federation. It was employed by ruthless dictators like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Pol Pot, Augusto Pinochet, and other sadistic tyrants. Children everywhere should be protected from the cruelty of being ripped from their families and trafficked to another nation to be “reeducated” and placed with a foreign family under the guise of the child not having a family.

 It also rebukes nations who provide aid and support to the Russian Federation’s kidnapping enterprise, condemns the forced adoption of Ukrainian children, and implores the Russian Federation to work with international human rights and children welfare organizations to ensure the return of Ukrainian children to their home country and their families.

 Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

 “Russia’s abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children from their families, forcibly relocating them to reeducation camps, and leaving them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation is unconscionable,” said Klobuchar. “This resolution reaffirms our country’s strong bipartisan support for holding Vladimir Putin accountable for this inhuman barbarism. We must continue to stand with the people of Ukraine in the face of Putin’s brutal invasion.”

 “We will not forgive and forget the destruction of Ukrainian families that has occurred at the hands of Vladimir Putin,” said Graham.  “One of the most despicable war crimes possible is the kidnapping of children by force of arms and destroying families. America should send an unequivocal message in condemning these barbaric actions. I hope this resolution passes the Senate 100-0. We should speak with one voice about one the greatest outrages of the 21st century. I appreciate Senator Klobuchar for leading this important effort.”

 The Ambassador of Ukraine, Her Excellency Oksana Markarova tweeted her thanks to Reps. Bacon and Panetta, and Sens. Klobuchar and Graham for their “strong leadership in introducing bipartisan legislation condemning the kidnapping of Ukrainian children to Russia. All Russian war criminals must and will be punished. All kids must return home.”

 Bacon’s speech can be viewed here.