Ukraine Alleges Russia Militarizing Children

In a recent statement at the GLOBSEC 2025 Security Forum, Dariia Zarivna, the Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA and Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, highlighted the alarming issue of Ukrainian children being abducted and militarized by Russia. This practice, she argued, poses a significant threat to global security.

Zarivna outlined the humanitarian and security aspects of the situation, stressing that the return of these children is crucial not only for Ukraine but for global stability. “Russia is militarizing Ukrainian children who are under occupation and preparing them for service in the aggressor’s army,” she stated, adding that this violates international law and could set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.

Under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine has successfully repatriated 1,359 children. The initiative ensures that each child is either returned to their biological family or placed in foster care, with comprehensive support from psychologists, social workers, lawyers, and educators to aid their reintegration.

The forum also emphasized the importance of retrieving more abducted children, particularly those listed in Ukraine’s initial negotiations with Russia in Istanbul. Zarivna’s comments underscore the urgent need for international attention and intervention to prevent further militarization of innocent children.