Zelensky: Yale University researchers identified hundreds of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Yale University researchers have identified hundreds of Ukrainian children from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions who have been abducted by Russia since February 2022.

He reported this in a Telegram post, according to Ukrinform.

"Another solid piece of evidence of Russia's war crimes against Ukraine and Ukrainians is the Yale HRL study. Yale researchers have identified hundreds of Ukrainian children from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions who have been abducted by Russia since February 2022, as well as their locations and the deportation routes used," Zelensky said.

He added that 148 children are already listed in Russian child placement databases, 42 of whom have already been adopted, placed under guardianship, or assigned Russian custodians.

Zelensky stressed that another 166 children have been placed with Russian families.

"The report demonstrates to the entire world the extent of Russia's actions to erase Ukrainian identity and how systematic its policy is in this regard," he said.

He stressed that Ukraine is tirelessly working to ensure Ukrainian children return home and that all those responsible for these heinous crimes are punished.

"This is a challenging task, but we are doing everything in our power. We are deeply grateful to everyone who is helping us -- every countries, organization, leader, both political and public. Only together can we restore the justice Russia has violated on such a massive scale, protect the future of Ukrainian children, and bring them back home," Zelensky said.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine