Kathrine Frich
The information emerged during a Senate hearing focused on Russia’s systematic removal of Ukrainian children from their homes.
US lawmakers are taking a fresh look at evidence alleging that some Ukrainian children seized by Russian authorities have been transferred far beyond occupied territories.
New testimony presented in Washington suggests that several minors were taken to North Korea, raising alarm about the reach and purpose of Russia’s deportation network.
Alarming testimony
At a December 3 session of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senators Lindsey Graham and Brian Schatz heard from experts and reviewed new documentation on the forced displacement of Ukrainian minors.
According to reporting presented by Ukrainian journalist and media adviser Ostap Yarysh, human rights groups in Ukraine have uncovered evidence that some abducted children were moved to North Korea.
These organizations indicated that the children were placed in military style camps, deepening concerns about the conditions they face and the motives behind their transfer.
Broader investigation
The committee examined testimony detailing Russia’s ongoing practice of removing children from occupied regions.
Lawmakers reviewed materials describing how minors are separated from families, transported across borders and placed in state controlled facilities.
The claim that some were sent to North Korea adds a new dimension to previous findings, which primarily documented relocations to Russia or Russian occupied territories.
Senators are now assessing the credibility and scale of the allegations.
Kyiv’s efforts to bring children home
Earlier this week in Paris, Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska addressed a high level meeting held under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative.
She announced that Ukraine has so far succeeded in returning 1,859 children who were abducted by Russia.
Her remarks highlighted continued international efforts to locate and recover minors still missing, many of whom remain scattered across multiple jurisdictions.
Rising international pressure
The Senate hearing adds further scrutiny to Russia’s conduct, which has already drawn condemnation from international observers and human rights bodies.
The possibility that children were sent to a third country, particularly one known for highly controlled and militarized youth programs, has intensified concern among officials and advocates.
As senators examine the latest evidence, Ukrainian authorities say they remain committed to documenting each case and working with partners abroad to secure the return of the remaining children.
Sources: United24media
