Ukrainian Intelligence Agency Unveils Evidence of Abduction of Children by Russian Authorities
On July 30, 2025, Ukrainian cyber specialists from the Ministry of Defense’s Main Intelligence Directorate successfully executed a large-scale cyber operation, gaining access to the servers of the occupying “government” in Crimea. They uncovered evidence of the large-scale abduction of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories in the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, reports 24brussels.
The occupying authorities stored documents on these servers that confirm the forced relocation of minors from the temporarily occupied territories.
The intelligence agency obtained access to:
- thousands of lists of illegally exported children;
- addresses related to the placement and residency of abducted children within the aggressor state;
- personal characteristics of minor victims who have been left without guardianship;
- illegal decisions regarding the appointment of guardians from among Russian citizens for Ukrainian orphans.
The intelligence indicated that thousands of files confirming the abduction of Ukrainian children have already been transferred to law enforcement agencies. These documents will be included in ongoing criminal proceedings.
“The acquired information will allow us to find and return the abducted children to their homeland, as well as punish those involved in this crime,” stated intelligence representative Andriy Yusov.
Experts have raised concerns regarding the increasing number of deported children, questioning why the figure remains at 19,546. They highlighted issues surrounding Russia’s efforts to legalize abductions under the guise of guardianship. Human rights expert Kateryna Rashevskaya discussed these matters in a recent interview, emphasizing that Ukraine should demand not only the return of children but also accountability for those responsible.
