Assembly wants Ukrainian children returned to their homes

At least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to the Russian Federation and Belarus or detained in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, with only 1,293 returned and 624 confirmed dead.

Today, the London Assembly has agreed to write to the Government, on behalf of London’s Ukrainian community, asking how it is supporting justice and the safe return of Ukrainian children and urging it to increase its efforts to achieve these aims. 

Unmesh Desai AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“The forced abduction and mistreatment of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation is a horrific violation of international law and human rights. These are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign to erase Ukrainian identity, inflict lasting trauma, and undermine the country’s future. The message is loud and clear: Russia must free the abducted children and end its illegal invasion and occupation of Ukraine.

“We welcome the strong cross-party support for Ukraine. London must continue to stand firm in its solidarity with Ukraine and its children.”

The full text of the motion is:

The London Assembly notes that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to the Russian Federation and Belarus or detained in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, with only 1,293 returned and 624 confirmed dead, according to President Zelenskyy’s ‘Bring Kids Back UA’ initiative. According to the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, the real figures are probably much higher, as these transfers and deportations continue.

The London Assembly strongly condemns the violent actions of the Russian Federation in the mistreatment of Ukrainian children, including murder, forced transfer and deportation, illegal adoption, sexual abuse and exploitation, forced Russification and militarisation. 

The London Assembly notes the role played by the British Government in supporting Ukraine’s struggle against invasion and commends recent administrations for their unwavering support for Ukraine.  

The Assembly recognises and thanks the Mayor of London, the previous and current Government, and local councils across Greater London for their support for Ukrainians seeking sanctuary in London, including through the delivery of the Refugee Housing Programme. 

We thank Londoners for their generosity in welcoming Ukrainians who have come to our city to seek sanctuary. 

The Assembly calls on the Chair and Mayor to separately write to the Foreign Secretary on behalf of London’s Ukrainian community to enquire how the Government is supporting justice and the safe return for Ukrainian children and urge the Government to increase its efforts to achieve these aims. 

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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