Story perspectives

Zelensky: 2,000 Kids Returned, Thousands Still Captive

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 17, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 2,000 Ukrainian children have been returned from Russia and occupied areas since the war began.
Zelensky said thousands more remain captive, with Russia accused of forcibly transferring about 20,000 children.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for deportation of children.
Russia claims it relocated the children for safety.
Various intermediaries are involved in securing their return.

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Story summary

On February 17, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 2,000 Ukrainian children have been returned from Russia and occupied areas since the war began.
Zelensky said thousands more remain captive, with Russia accused of forcibly transferring about 20,000 children.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for deportation of children.
Russia claims it relocated the children for safety.
Various intermediaries are involved in securing their return.