**Ukraine Rescues 12 Children from Russian-Controlled Territory**
On February 3, Ukraine successfully brought back 12 children who had been taken to Russian-occupied territory against their will. This effort was part of the “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The rescued children include a 16-year-old girl who lost her mother, a 17-year-old boy who was ordered to join the Russian army, and an eight-year-old girl. Since February 2022, at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted from Russian-controlled areas and sent to other parts of Ukraine or Russia.
Ukraine considers these abductions a war crime and believes they meet the United Nations’ definition of genocide. The country has managed to return 388 children so far. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2023, citing their involvement in the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children.
**Ukraine’s Efforts Continue**
Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak announced the successful rescue operation. Ukraine continues to work on bringing back more children who have been taken by Russian forces. The country estimates that up to 150,000 Ukrainian children have been unlawfully deported.
The United States is expected to announce its withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council and extend a freeze on funding for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to increase pressure on Russia to “crush Putin’s war machine.”
