13/08/2026
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In July 2026, Ukraine continued its efforts to return children unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred by Russia, as well as those trapped in temporarily occupied territories, while strengthening international accountability, reintegration support and global advocacy.
This month, 69 children were returned, bringing the total number of returned children to 2,422.
Key developments in July 2026:
🔹 The OSCE Moscow Mechanism expert mission concluded that Russia’s systematic indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children may constitute crimes against humanity. The experts also found that Russia deliberately obstructs the return of children as part of a broader effort to alter their Ukrainian identity.
🔹 On 17 July, representatives of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children launched consultations on a joint agenda for 2026–2027. The meeting focused on tracing children, verifying data, securing returns, rehabilitation and reintegration, accountability, and strengthening international pressure on Russia. Preparations also continued for the international conference in Toronto in September.
🔹 On 31 July, four Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson regions returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory with humanitarian support from U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. This marked the fifth return facilitated through her engagement.
🔹 A U.S. congressional delegation led by Representative Michael McCaul visited Kyiv, where Ukrainian specialists presented a medical assessment protocol for children returned from Russian occupation. The delegation also met families whose children had already completed the reintegration process.
🔹 An installation of 20,000 teddy bears was unveiled outside the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Each bear symbolised a Ukrainian child unlawfully deported, forcibly transferred or separated from their family by Russia, drawing attention to the scale of Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian children.
🔹 Bring Kids Back UA documented the case of 10-year-old Sofia from Kostiantynivka, whom Russian forces used in a staged propaganda operation. Russia withheld information about her whereabouts and prevented contact with relatives while she was held in occupied Shakhtarsk. Her relatives in Ukraine continue to search for her and await her return.
🔹 The European Court of Human Rights scheduled an oral hearing for 22 September in the case of ten Ukrainian children removed from state care institutions in Crimea during Russia’s occupation in 2014 and never returned to Ukraine. Evidence submitted in the case points to Russia’s systematic passportisation, removal and militarisation of Ukrainian children in occupied Crimea.
Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children remain under Russian control.
There can be no just and lasting peace without the return of Ukrainian children.
ENG - WITH TAGS FOR X (TWITTER):
In July 2026, Ukraine continued efforts to return children deported or forcibly transferred by Russia and those trapped in occupied territories, while strengthening accountability, reintegration and international advocacy.
69 children were returned this month, bringing the total to 2,422.
Key developments:
🔹 An Moscow Mechanism expert mission concluded that Russia’s systematic indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children may constitute crimes against humanity. Experts also found that Russia deliberately obstructs their return.
🔹 On 17 July, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children launched consultations on its 2026–2027 agenda, focusing on tracing, return, reintegration, accountability and international pressure ahead of the Toronto conference.
🔹 On 31 July, four Ukrainian children from occupied parts of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson regions returned home with humanitarian support from U.S. First Lady , marking the fifth return facilitated through her engagement.
🔹 A U.S. congressional delegation visited Kyiv, where Ukrainian specialists presented a medical assessment protocol for children returned from Russian occupation and discussed long-term reintegration support.
🔹 An installation of 20,000 teddy bears outside the California State Capitol in Sacramento highlighted the scale of Russia’s deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children.
🔹 documented the case of 10-year-old Sofia from Kostiantynivka, whom Russian forces used in staged propaganda while withholding information about her whereabouts from relatives. Sofia remains in occupied Shakhtarsk.
🔹 The European Court of Human Rights scheduled a 22 September hearing in the case of ten Ukrainian children removed from care institutions in occupied Crimea and never returned to Ukraine.
Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children remain under Russian control.
There can be no just and lasting peace without their return.
