The mass abduction of Ukrainian children abroad is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon, causing considerable concern among Ukrainian families and the public. According to the latest data, the largest number of cases is recorded in Germany, where social services do not agree with the methods of raising children practiced by Ukrainian parents. More than 2 million children have left Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, and the issue of their safety and protection of rights is becoming increasingly urgent.
As of the end of July 2024, 430 children were taken from Ukrainians abroad, of which 65 have already been returned home. These data are provided by the National Social Service, which implements state policy in the field of social protection of the population and protection of children’s rights. The central executive body receives information about such cases both from diplomatic institutions and from the children’s relatives themselves.
The largest number of such cases was recorded in Germany, where 122 children were removed, in Poland – 39 children, in Norway and Spain – 20 children each. Vasyl Lutsyk, head of the National Social Service of Ukraine, explains that the reasons for removing children from families are very different. This is often related to Ukrainian parents’ lack of knowledge of the legislation of the host country or different approaches to raising children in Ukraine and abroad. For example, when parents loudly scold a child on the street or when a child under the age of ten goes to school on his own, which is a common practice in Ukraine, but prohibited in many European countries.
In addition, the removal of a child may be due to objective reasons, such as health problems of the parents, including mental disorders. In such cases, children are placed in local care institutions of various forms that exist in a specific country. The task of the National Social Service is to find relatives or legal representatives of the child who are ready to go to another country, take him home and take care of him in the future.
Equally important is the role of Ukrainian diplomatic missions abroad, which work to help families in such difficult situations. They provide legal assistance and advisory support, facilitate the return of children to their families or their relocation to safe conditions.
A significant outflow of Ukrainian children abroad began with the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia in 2022. According to the Chamber of Accounts, more than 2 million children have left Ukraine since the beginning of the war. This process is accompanied by numerous challenges, including children’s adaptation to new conditions, integration into local educational systems, and ensuring their rights to a decent standard of living.
The problem of child abduction is complex in nature, involving legal, social and cultural aspects. For example, different countries have their own standards for the safety and welfare of children, which can lead to conflicts between Ukrainian parents and local social services. In addition, the issue of mental health and children’s adaptation to new conditions also plays an important role.
One example is when a child is removed due to inadequate living conditions or because the parents cannot provide the necessary care. In such situations, the social services of the host country can decide on the temporary removal of the child and his placement in a specialized institution.
However, it is important to emphasize that each case of child removal is individual and requires careful consideration. The main goal is to ensure the best interests of the child, which requires coordination of efforts between Ukrainian and foreign authorities, social services and the child’s relatives.
