The abduction of Ukrainian children has become a frequently raised issue in the United States. U.S. First Lady Melania Trump asked Donald Trump to pass a letter to Vladimir Putin about the children. It did not contain strong statements but rather served as a hint and a newsworthy gesture to remind the world of this Russian war crime.
On September 11 (U.S. time), U.S. senators introduced a bill to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism for abducting nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children.
Notably, the symbolic bill, presented on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and was lead by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, is bipartisan: the team also consists of Democrats Richard Blumenthal and Amy Klobuchar, along with Republican Katie Britt. They placed “Russia” on the list next under Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria, underscoring that such a designation would mean deep economic stagnation for the country.
Priority for All — Except…
It is important to recall that The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova particularly for the deportation of Ukrainian children. During the bill’s introduction, senators stressed the importance of sanctions, since, as Lindsey Graham put it, “the red-carpet approach ain’t working.” The EU, meanwhile, is moving ahead with its 19th package of sanctions.
What concerns Yulia Navalnaya is the halting of tourist visas for Russian citizens in it, as media have reported. While the civilized world continues to emphasize that kidnapping Ukrainian children is a grave violation of international law, Russian aces of opposition seems more preoccupied with maintaining comfort of an overage Russian.
In 2023, Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets confirmed at least 386 cases of adoption of Ukrainian children. The number has undoubtedly grown, though even adoption, as opposed to “temporary custody”, is also a war crime. Ordinary Russians are ready to take a Ukrainian child and raise him or her within an environment saturated with propaganda.
Demonstrative Mockery
Recently, Russia launched a “catalog” of stolen children, presenting them as “goods” to be chosen by appearance or character. This grotesque practice is intended to multiply Russia’s human resources for future wars, as the country also trains abducted Ukrainian children in its “Youth Army.” Returned children have reported poor conditions, threats of punishment for disobedience, being forced to sing Russian songs, and humiliation on national grounds.
Conclusion
U.S. senators have put forward an important and powerful message: Russia only understands pressure and economic punishment; praise does not work. Russia as a whole must be held accountable for multiple war crimes. This is a strong signal that the issue of kidnapped Ukrainian children remains on the U.S. political agenda. Technically, Russia is not just a sponsor of terrorism but a terrorist state itself. Yet as long as the “sponsor of terrorism” designation carries real consequences, the U.S. should apply it to Russia.
Daria Maslienkova
