The article reports on the abduction and forced relocation of Ukrainian children by Russian forces, focusing on the story of 15 Ukrainian orphans and their guardian who were taken by Russian soldiers. The orphans, listed as missing in Ukraine, were eventually evacuated by American volunteers and are now residing in Georgia. Ukraine's presidential adviser for children's rights claims that close to 14,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russian troops, a claim that Russia denies. The forcible transfer of children is considered a grave war crime. The article includes personal accounts from the orphans, their headmaster, and the American family of one of the children, who had been adopted just as the war began. It also details the efforts of volunteers from the Christian charity Borderlands International to evacuate the children and the challenges they faced, including surveillance and propaganda by Russian troops.

Ukrainian citizens, including Eduard Mkrtchian and Ruslan Bojko, report being forcibly deported to Russian 'filtration camps' where they face interrogation and potential mistreatment. The U.S. Department of State estimates up to 1.6 million Ukrainians have been deported, a war crime under the Fourth Geneva Convention. At least 18 camps have been identified, with detainees experiencing ill treatment and torture. Human Rights Watch highlights the lack of choice for these individuals. Mkrtchian, now in Estonia, recounts his ordeal and desire to return to Ukraine.