1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I write to urge you to use every tool at your disposal to help ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children who are being detained, re-educated, or militarized in camps operated by or with the support of the Russian government or occupying authorities. Recent investigations have provided credible evidence of a network of over 200 sites across Russia and occupied territories of Ukraine where children are being forcibly relocated and subjected to indoctrination, combat training, and other forms of militarization.  These practices violate international laws and norms, including the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.  Key concerns: • Children as young as eight are participating in weapons training, tactical drills, and are exposed to ideological indoctrination.  • Many of these facilities are expanding, and more are under construction, signaling this is not an isolated or diminishing problem.  • Some of the camps are directly operated by the Russian government; others are under its influence. Distinguishing between them is difficult but necessary for accountability.  I urge you to support and advance the following actions: 1. Diplomatic Pressure: Push for strong UN and allied cooperation to document abuses, press for access to children, and demand transparency from Russia. 2. Sanctions: Target individuals and institutions responsible for running, funding, or facilitating these camps and associated programs. 3. Legal Action: Support documentation and prosecution of war crimes at international tribunals for forced abduction, deportation, and the militarization of children. 4. Humanitarian Measures: Fund programs to locate and reunite children with their families, provide psychological and medical support, and ensure safe repatriation when possible. 5. Oversight & Accountability: Require the U.S. government, through agencies like State, USAID, and in cooperation with NGOs, to report regularly to Congress on progress in identifying children, negotiating their return, and holding perpetrators accountable. I believe the United States has both moral and strategic interest in ensuring children are protected, that war crimes are documented, and that perpetrators do not act with impunity. I urge you to make this issue a legislative priority. Thank you for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with your office or provide further information on this issue.