DISINFO: Ukrainian children being seized from refugee parents
SUMMARY
Ukrainian children are being seized from their refugee parents in the West. They are being snatched because they do not finish their meals, because they eat too fast, because they are emotionally tied to their children or because a mother was telling off her child in a loud voice. 79 cases reported so far.
RESPONSE
New pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative deployed in the context of Russia's unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, aiming to spread doubt and discourage Ukrainians fleeing conflict from seeking shelter to the West, and in particular Poland, by deploying emotional and scare tactics.
In reality, Ukrainian refugees are generally well all accepted over Europe. The EU has provided Ukraine with coordinated humanitarian, political, financial and material support, including: reception of refugees, protection of children, and humanitarian aid.
Special protections have been put in place for children, especially for unaccompanied minors, with family tracing being a priority in these cases. Ukrainian children have a right to are (including housing) as soon as possible, healthcare (including psychological support), and education. They are admitted to local schools and summer camps. As of mid-July 2022, almost half a million Ukrainian children are registered and attending school in the EU. Almost 6 million Ukrainians have registered for Temporary Protection or similar national protection schemes in Europe. Consult here an overview of concrete measures of EU solidarity with Ukraine that have been set up in the wake of Russian aggression.
See our guide to deciphering pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's war and read our account of the Kremlin's intention to annihilate Ukraine here.
NOTE: This debunk was edited for clarity on 2023 04 18