**Russian Authorities Create “Slave Catalog” for Adopting Ukrainian Children**
In a disturbing move, Russian occupation authorities in Ukraine have created an online database that lists Ukrainian children available for adoption. The database is shocking not only because it shows the children’s photos and personal details but also because it categorizes them based on physical traits like eye or hair color.
The Save Ukraine organization, which has been working to help vulnerable groups in Ukraine since 2014, called out this practice as child trafficking. According to Mykola Kuleba, CEO of the organization, many children listed in the database were born before the Russian occupation and had Ukrainian citizenship. Some of their parents were even killed by the occupation authorities or forced to issue Russian identification documents.
**A Huge Problem Unfolds**
Ukraine has already identified over 19,500 children abducted by Russia during the full-scale war. However, officials estimate that this number could be as high as 150,000 to 300,000. Children who grew up in occupied territories have been “systematically deported and transferred to Russian families” since 2014.
**International Community Speaks Out**
The international community has condemned these abductions as a war crime. The return of the abducted children remains a central demand in Ukraine’s negotiations with Moscow. Even during peace talks, Russian officials showed no willingness to cooperate on this issue, dismissing it as a “show for childless European old ladies.”
**Justice Still Elusive**
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for their roles in organizing these illegal transfers. However, justice still seems elusive.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
