Yesterday was a momentous day for me as I had the honor of speaking before the US Helsinki Commission, shedding light on the issue of saving Ukrainian children and women from Russian aggression. The atrocities committed by Russia against our nation have caused danger to Ukrainian children, and the world must know about the realities Ukrainians face. Therefore, I am grateful for this opportunity to tell about the suffering of our children before the Helsinki Commission. Due to the fact that the Helsinki Commission is a security and cooperation body in Europe that includes congressmen and senators, as well as security and military experts who have the means to implement security and cooperation policies. And safety is what our children need today more than ever.

During my speech, I revealed the heartbreaking truth that Russia is orchestrating a campaign of genocide against the Ukrainian people, actively working to eradicate our identity as a nation. The children we managed to return from Russia have reported that Russians threatened these children that they and their parents would be persecuted in Ukraine, criminal cases would be opened against them, and they would have to undergo interrogations and even torture. Some children thought Russia had already won the war and Ukraine no longer existed.

The Russians tried to brainwash them. They constantly told children about the greatness of the Russian Empire, teaching them to hate Ukraine and promising certificates for housing, education, and a successful future in Russia. They sent our boys to study at military colleges. And if children refuse all these “benefits,” they punish and intimidate them.

These children have severe psychological trauma, exacerbated by being in Russia without parents and loved ones who could protect them.

The illegal deportation of these children further shattered families, as they were prevented from reuniting for extended periods, sometimes over a year. The scars left by these criminal actions of Russia will take years to heal.

That’s why it is essential that we continue our efforts to bring our children back home. We are setting up Hope and Healing centers to help de-program and heal the psychological wounds inflicted on our children. With thousands of young Ukrainians in need of such support after the liberation of occupied territories, we are going to increase our capacity to make a difference.

I am profoundly grateful to the US Helsinki Commission for their support in raising awareness about war crimes committed by Russia. Their efforts are vital in alerting the international community and taking action to counter this injustice.

I extend special thanks to Ambassador M. Carpenter for their support, starting from our meeting in Kyiv in May, which has led to this crucial hearing. It proves that the international community is committed to finding solutions and bringing justice for the abducted Ukrainian kids.

Acknowledgement also goes to Ms. Spartz, who raised the question about the role of the UN and the need for appropriate support in tackling this issue. Chairman Willson’s dedication, evident after meeting the Ukrainian children we brought back from Russia, is commendable, and his focus on combating this ongoing genocide, including recognizing it as “mental genocide,” is significant progress.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s passion and support in “raising collective voices” are deeply appreciated, as is Congressman Smith’s unwavering commitment to countering the Russian genocide targeting Ukrainian children.

Our collaboration with the General Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine has been instrumental in documenting the crimes witnessed by the children we have rescued from Russia. Their cooperation is invaluable as we seek justice.

I am heartened by the consensus among our allies about the urgent need to address this international war crime of reeducation and indoctrination. We discussed various tools and options, including the possibility of an international tribunal, to ensure justice is served.

We call the international community to make every effort to force Russia to provide truthful information about how many children were taken out, where they are and in what condition they are.

I urge all to join us in raising collective voices against the atrocities committed against Ukrainian children. Together, we can make a difference and ensure justice for those affected by Russian aggression.