Renew Europe strongly condemned the violent actions of Russia and the role of Belarus against Ukrainian children in a resolution adopted by the European Parliament’s Plenary session on 8 May.
Tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been killed, injured, sexually abused, kidnapped, transferred by force, deported, exploited, indoctrinated and used as a weapon by Putin since the beginning of his illegal war against Ukraine.
Their unconditional return, as well as the release of prisoners of war and civilian hostages, must be a precondition for the start of peace negotiations.
Renew Europe urges the European Commission and Member States to take an active role in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, as well as using all available legal instruments and imposing additional targeted sanctions to hold to account those responsible.
“The abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children is part of Russia's open aggression against Ukraine and attempts to erase Ukrainian identity. There are many horrifying examples of Ukrainian children being indoctrinated and russified. Europe must stick to its plan for Ukraine's victory and peace, which is based on the conditions set by the Ukrainian side and not by any other country, and make sure that the aggression against Ukraine is the last war Russia wages against its neighbours,” said Petras Auštrevičius MEP (Liberal Movement, LT).
Click here to read the full resolution.