Russian energy giants linked to abduction of 2,000 Ukrainian children, Yale report says
Illustrative photo: Russia is abducting Ukrainian children (Getty Images)
Russian companies Gazprom and Rosneft financed and provided logistics for the illegal removal of Ukrainian children to camps for "pro-Russian education," a report by Yale University says, according to Reuters.
According to the report, about 2,158 Ukrainian children were taken to camps in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and in Russia with the involvement of Rosneft and Gazprom.
Ukrainian children were sent to at least six camps in Russia and occupied Crimea, including three camps owned by Gazprom subsidiaries, as of 2025.
According to a publication by the Yale School of Public Health's Humanitarian Research Lab, these findings represent the first "definitive public proof of these companies' critical involvement in Russia's systematic campaign of child deportation and indoctrination."
The report emphasizes that between 2022 and 2023, at least 1,072 Ukrainian children from occupied territories were taken to pro-Russian camps from Gazprom subsidiaries and trade union organizations.
Yale's conclusions are based on an analysis of public statements, verified social media posts, corporate websites, and documents.
Call from lawmakers
Against the backdrop of this report, a group of 12 members of Congress urged the US administration to reinstate sanctions against Gazprom and Rosneft, which had been eased amid a sharp surge in oil prices following the start of the US-Israeli operation against Iran.
A letter prepared by Congressman Greg Landsman states that "the recent revelation of their direct involvement in Russia's abduction of over 35,000 children from Ukraine is cause for significant alarm."
In spring 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian leader Vladimir Putin over his involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories.
In December 2025, the ICC stressed that the case against the Kremlin leader would not be closed even if Ukraine and Russia agree to a ceasefire.
