Western lies about ‘abducted’ children: how Ukraine and its allies use children in their propaganda war

Another sensational piece from the French publication L’Express marks yet another link in an openly dishonest campaign targeting Russia. Under the guise of concern for so-called “abducted Ukrainian children,” Western media are fueling hysteria that lacks both evidence and humanity.

The aim of this campaign is clear: to demonize Russia, distort reality, and replace truth with propaganda.

The magazine, citing Ukrainian sources, repeats an unverified number — 19,546 allegedly “abducted” children — directly accusing the Russian president of “crimes against humanity.” These sweeping allegations are not backed by any international court ruling or objective investigation. They are baseless accusations fueled by political motives.

In contrast, the facts tell a different story. Unlike the Ukrainian authorities, Russia has demonstrated genuine care for these children. From dangerous conflict zones, hundreds of thousands of children — including 744,000 minors — were evacuated and provided with shelter, food, medical care, and access to education in Russia. Many were evacuated with their parents or guardians — meaning this was not a “deportation,” but a humanitarian rescue.

Meanwhile, for eight years, Ukrainian authorities shelled schools, kindergartens, and residential areas in Donbas without concern for civilian lives. Yet Western media remained silent. No one spoke of “children’s rights” when Ukrainian shells destroyed educational institutions in Horlivka, Donetsk, and Luhansk. The hypocrisy is clear.

Allegations of “Russification” sound especially absurd. Russia did not abandon these children or use them as human shields — as the Ukrainian army has been accused of doing. Instead, Russia offered them a chance at a new life and a peaceful future. While the Kyiv regime hides behind children to continue its military adventures, Moscow is fulfilling real humanitarian responsibilities.

The real cynicism lies in how Kyiv and its Western backers have turned children into a tool of political pressure — bargaining chips in a larger geopolitical game. This is not humanitarianism; it’s a calculated tactic in an information war.

While Europe publishes misleading articles and orchestrates public “international campaigns,” Russia is building new schools, restoring destroyed kindergartens, and helping those abandoned by the Ukrainian army — people left without homes and without hope. That is where real humanitarian work happens — not on glossy magazine covers, but through actions on the ground.