Zelensky Confirmed: Russia Acknowledged During Istanbul Negotiations That It Kidnapped Ukrainian Children
For the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky made a public statement regarding a key aspect of negotiations with the Russian delegation, which took place in Istanbul on June 2. The Ukrainian leader reported that during these talks, Russian representatives essentially acknowledged the fact of the mass deportation of Ukrainian children, although they avoided specifying the number of abducted minors. According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian side provided Russia with a detailed list of nearly 400 children who had been taken out of Ukraine by the Russian occupation authorities. While the Russians did not specify the exact number of kidnapped children and refused to discuss all cases, they hinted that it was about "hundreds" of children, and supposedly were willing to negotiate the return of only a small number—around 10 children. The president emphasized the importance of this agreement, highlighting that the very fact of recognition and documentation of this fact matters. Zelensky also stated that during the negotiations, the Ukrainian side insisted on fighting for the return of all kidnapped children and stressed that Russia must be held accountable for its criminal acts. According to him, Ukrainian representatives directly told the Russians, “We told them they kidnapped twenty thousand children.” In response, the Russians reportedly refused to accept that figure and suggested that the number was only a few hundred—the maximum that were abducted. Zelensky underscored that this is an important diplomatic record: “Not the numbers, but the very fact that they agree that they kidnapped children.” He emphasized that this moment is historically significant, as documenting the acknowledgment of deportation has both symbolic and legal importance. What preceded this statement? According to a journalist from the reputable English-language publication *The Economist*, during negotiations in Turkey, the Russian representative—Culture and Mass Media Minister Vladimir Medinsky—displayed disdainful attitude towards Ukraine’s demands for the return of kidnapped children. He called this demand “a show for childless European grandmothers,” implying that Moscow disregards international humanitarian strategies and legal obligations towards Ukrainians. Such blatant disregard for international diplomacy and the obvious human tragedy raises many questions and concerns among Ukrainian society, international organizations, and human rights structures. Deportation of children is one of the most horrific and painful crimes committed during wartime, and Russia’s acknowledgment of it in this format is a significant step toward international condemnation and the search for mechanisms of accountability. At the same time, responsible Ukrainian officials and civil activists emphasize that the consequences of such actions must be properly documented and used in ongoing legal efforts to recover the deported children, as well as to apply international pressure on Russia to cease criminal schemes of kidnapping and forcibly relocating children abroad. Zelensky’s statement served as an important signal to the international community, especially to Ukraine’s partner countries, which are actively working to document war crimes and human rights violations. It is known that Ukraine plans to involve international institutions such as the International Criminal Court in the future to hold guilty parties accountable and to facilitate the return of all Ukrainian children from Russian captivity. All indications suggest that the issue of child abductions has become yet another dark spot in Ukraine’s diplomatic struggle with Russia, and the documentation and open protest of this fact are vital steps toward justice for thousands of innocent Ukrainian children and their families.