Des Moines Sun

Sens. Chuck Grassley and Amy Klobuchar have introduced the Abducted Ukrainian Children Recovery and Accountability Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at supporting Ukraine in its investigation of nearly 20,000 children reportedly abducted during Russia's invasion. The legislation is designed to aid in the rehabilitation and reintegration of returned children while ensuring justice for those responsible for the abductions.

Grassley commented on the issue, stating, "After he started the largest war in Europe since World War II, Putin kidnapped thousands of Ukrainian children to brainwash and Russify them, trying to destroy their cultural identity and heritage. These children should be returned home as soon as possible." He emphasized that the legislation supports crucial tools for identifying and tracking these children.

Klobuchar added her perspective: "The mass kidnapping of Ukrainian children by Russia is an atrocity. We cannot accept a world where children are abducted during wartime and used as a form of hostage-taking for negotiations."

This legislative move follows a resolution led by Grassley and Klobuchar in May condemning Russia's actions and demanding the return of abducted Ukrainian children before any final peace agreement. Additionally, they spearheaded a letter with Sen. Dick Durbin urging continued support from the State Department to investigate these incidents.

Reports indicate that Ukrainian authorities have confirmed over 19,546 cases of unlawful deportations or forced transfers of children to Russia or Russian-occupied territories. As per April 16 data, only 1,274 children have been successfully returned.

The State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report highlights Russia's involvement in recruiting child soldiers and engaging in human trafficking activities.