Journalists expose systematic abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia

A new book by BBC News special correspondents Nina Nazarova and Svjatoslav H’omenko details the systematic abduction and relocation of thousands of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities.

Russian officials have acknowledged the systematic transfer of Ukrainian minors to Russian territory, where they are often given new identities and placed with new families. The authors describe an effort to erase the children's original identities through indoctrination, teaching them a revised version of history to foster a Russian identity.

The work follows specific cases, including Valentin D., an orphaned teenager moved from the Donetsk region shortly before the full-scale invasion. The book examines the roles of child protection agencies and the officials responsible for organizing these forced transfers, while also documenting the efforts of activists and relatives to facilitate the children's return home.