Emile on Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Russia is not just waging war on Ukraine’s territory: it’s targeting its future..
A powerful new investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty sheds light on one of the most painful chapters of this war: the systematic deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
As the report reveals, Russia strips Ukrainian children of their names, cuts off from their families, re-educates them in Russian institutions, and even trains them militarily. Clearly, this is all part of a broader effort to erase Ukrainian identity and fabricate loyalty to the occupying power.
Once in Russia or occupied territories, these children face a brutal process of reprogramming:
- Renamed and registered as Russian citizens.
- Forbidden from speaking Ukrainian.
- Placed with Russian foster families or sent to re-education camps.
- Enrolled in Yunarmiya, the Russian military youth group, where they are exposed to propaganda and paramilitary training.
- Told they were “abandoned” by Ukraine and once returned, will be killed there by “nazis” – all to break ties with their homeland.
Mariam Lambert Lambert, co-founder of the Emile Foundation, calls this a “deliberate and organised crime”. Furthermore she warns that these actions are part of a systemic effort to strip children of their roots and national belonging.
These tactics: pressure, indoctrination, name changes, and fostering, are not incidental. On the contrary, they constitute a strategic assault on a nation’s memory, identity, and future.
🙏 We deeply appreciate the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty team: Krassimira Hendry, Una Čilić, Maryana Sych, Kateryna Farbar for highlighting this grave issue. Their investigative reporting brings vital attention to Russia’s attempt to rewrite history through its youngest victims.
📣 Please read and share this article. Help us bring global attention to these crimes and advocate for urgent action. Because we need to stop the deportation and exploitation of Ukrainian children.
