By: Dr. Kateryna Rashevska, Dr. Paul R. Williams, & Kateryna Kyrychenko

This article analyzes unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children by the Russian state as a central component of its broader campaign against the Ukrainian national group. The article argues that the systematic abduction, re-education, naturalization, and forced adoption of Ukrainian children might satisfy the actus reus of Article II(e) of the Genocide Convention and, when considered alongside the broader pattern of Russian conduct and official rhetoric, provide compelling evidence of genocidal intent. Drawing on international jurisprudence, recent factual findings, and practitioner experience, the article analyzes the relationship between genocide, war crimes, and child protection, evaluates existing and emerging accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants against Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, and considers the legal and practical challenges of securing the children's return. It concludes that effective accountability and the restoration of abducted children are essential not only for justice in Ukraine but also for strengthening the international legal framework for preventing genocide.