Volodymyr Zelensky

The World Risks Shame ⁢if⁢ it⁢ Remains Silent on Ukraine‘s Stolen Children

The testimonies are⁢ harrowing. ⁤Rescued Ukrainian children, subjected to forced‍ relocation to Russia, are reportedly being told by their captors that Ukraine ​isn’t a real country, ⁤that their⁢ own ⁣parents abandoned them, and that their future lies⁢ within ⁢Russia ⁣under Vladimir Putin’s leadership. these‍ accounts,⁢ detailing systematic‌ indoctrination, are deeply disturbing⁣ and demand a resolute response.

The Express’s “Return the Stolen children”​ campaign rightly highlights this⁢ critical issue,⁤ recognizing that the abduction of Ukrainian children is not⁢ simply a tragic byproduct of war, but a intentional act of⁣ cultural erasure ‍and a grave violation of international law.

The cost of freedom is acutely⁣ understood by Ukrainians, who daily confront ⁢the reality ⁤of resisting imperial aggression. Discussions of “negotiated settlements” involving territorial concessions must be‌ grounded in the human consequences of such ​decisions. Surrendering ⁣land isn’t ‌an abstract geopolitical maneuver; it’s abandoning the ⁤people who call that land home to those actively denying their identity and subjecting them to oppression. It means condemning children to captivity, indoctrination, and ⁢the systematic dismantling of their cultural heritage.⁢ Every⁣ parcel of⁢ Ukrainian ⁤territory ‌represents a family,a history,and a future ​threatened by Russian⁣ aggression.

The⁢ Kremlin’s‍ open ⁢glorification of these abductions has prompted the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants ​for Putin and his officials. However,these warrants are insufficient without concerted global ‌action. The⁣ recent displays of​ cordiality extended to Putin ‌by world leaders are deeply unsettling.Arrest warrants must ‌be backed‍ by unwavering ‌political will, robust sanctions, and international isolation to ensure accountability for these abuses. It‌ is⁣ imperative that leaders like​ Donald Trump and Keir ​Starmer ‌demonstrate ⁤decisive action.A coordinated, international effort – an economic equivalent to the military support⁤ provided – is needed, ‍alongside increased sanctions and travel bans. The plight of Ukraine’s children must be central to the discourse of world leaders.

Putin’s lack of remorse​ and his recent display of solidarity ⁤with Xi Jinping, reviewing troops on ‍the grounds of Tiananmen Square – ‍a site synonymous with the brutal suppression of dissent – sends ⁤a hazardous message: dictators believe they are beyond reproach. This echoes the systematic separation of Uyghur and Tibetan children⁣ from their ‍families by China, stripping them of their ⁣cultures and identities. ‌ Just as Putin believes he can steal Ukrainian children without​ consequence, so too does Xi believe⁣ he can suppress ⁢the cultural identity of⁤ his own citizens.

This ‍represents a disturbing exchange of tactics, a sharing of “best practice” in the realm of genocide.

Ukrainian children are the‌ future of‌ their nation. Their resilience inspires⁣ the defenders of ukraine.​ The world⁢ risks profound shame if it remains ​silent as these children are abandoned, broken, and forcibly assimilated into putin’s ⁢imperial war machine.

(Alicia Kearns‌ is Conservative MP for Rutland​ and Stamford and Chair ⁣of the‌ All Party Parliamentary Group for Hostage Taking)