The Forcible Displacement of Ukrainian Children: Abduction as an Element of Genocide and the Struggle for Return
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.
Dr. Kateryna Rashevska holds a PhD in international law from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and is a legal expert at the Regional Center for Human Rights. She is a member of several national expert councils, including the Bring Kids Back UA Task Force. Dr. Rashevska is a co-author of five submissions to the International Criminal Court concerning crimes committed by Russian agents against Ukrainian children and has addressed the U.N. Security Council, U.N. General Assembly, and U.N. Human Rights Council.
Dr. Paul R. Williams holds the Rebecca I. Grazier Professorship in Law and International Relations at American University, where he teaches in the School of International Service and at the Washington College of Law. Dr. Williams is also the Co-Founder of the Public International Law & Policy Group (“PILPG”). He received his JD from Stanford Law School and his PhD from the University of Cambridge. In 2026, he received the Stanford University Award for the Advancement of the Common Good, which honors alumni whose leadership and public service have contributed to addressing some of society’s most urgent global challenges.
Kateryna Kyrychenko is the Head of Ukraine Legal Affairs and Program Management at the Public International Law & Policy Group (“PILPG”). She has been working with PILPG since 2022 on accountability for Russian atrocities and peace negotiations tracks. Ms. Kyrychenko previously worked with the United Nations Office in Ukraine on human rights and development issues. She holds an LL.M. in Human Rights and is pursuing a Ph.D. in International Criminal Law at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, researching incitement to genocide.