The US Department of State has called on the Russian Federation to cease the deportation of Ukrainian children from the occupied territories and to bring the deported ones back home.

“One of the worst incidents we have seen in this war is the deportation of Ukrainian civilians to Russia, including civilians who have been forcibly separated from their families… We call, as we have before, for Russia to stop those abusive actions and return Ukraine’s children”, - said Matthew Miller, State Department Spokesperson.

He emphasized that deportation of children was one of the key factors in determining the US government’s position regarding Russia’s crimes against humanity.