Kidnapping Ukrainian Children: The Story Behind One of Russia's Worst War Crimes

Kidnapping Ukrainian Children: The Story Behind One of Russia's Worst War Crimes

Author: Mark McNamee May 21, 2026 Duration: 0:00
One of the most underreported stories of the horrific crimes Russia has committed relates to what Russia has done to children. Aside from killing hundreds of children in attacks deep within Ukraine, including intentionally targeting maternity wards and kindergartens, what we’ll focus on today is the kidnapping, forced deportation, and re-education of Ukrainian children stolen from Ukrainian territory into Russia. This is why the ICC issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin. Please listen in as this story has been terribly underreported and this war crime has gone far too little noticed outside of Ukraine. About the Guest Dr. Thom Reilly is a Professor in Public Affairs at Arizona State University, author of the forthcoming book, Child Abduction in the War in Ukraine: Erasing Ukrainian Identity as a Tool of War (scheduled for late 2026). He has done extensive research in Ukraine speaking with the recovered children themselves, state officials, charities dedicated to these kidnapped children, the UN and other international organizations likewise working on this, among numerous others. To learn more, visit: https://ubn.network/ To connect and message with Mark on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcnamee-58950910 Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/Mark-McNamee/

We are living through events that will define our century, and History in the Making: The War in Ukraine is an attempt to make sense of them as they unfold. Host Mark McNamee brings his deep knowledge of Eastern Europe to the fore, not just to recount headlines, but to untangle the complex historical, cultural, and political threads that led to this moment. This isn't a dry recitation of facts; it's a grounded exploration of how a conflict reshapes a nation's identity and the global order. Each episode moves between the sweeping strategic picture and the intimate, human stories of those living through the war, highlighting a profound resilience. You'll hear analysis that connects past empires to present-day battles, and conversations that reveal the personal cost and extraordinary fortitude within Ukraine. The goal of this podcast is to provide context and clarity, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the news cycle. By focusing on the people, the history, and the on-the-ground reality, Mark creates a vital record of a world changing in real time. Tune in for a thoughtful, comprehensive guide to understanding not just what is happening, but why it matters for all of us.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

History in the Making: The War in Ukraine
Podcast Episodes
Helping the most vulnerable at the frontline - Greater Good Charities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:51
How do we help those suffering near the frontlines in Ukraine? People need to be fed, windows need to be repaired, pets need to be saved, environments have to be protected - how to go about doing all this? Listen in to h…
The Center of Defense Tech Innovation is Here in Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:19
“Ukrainians are producing hardware at speed of software” "We are seeing something remarkable develop in Ukraine: soldier-entrepreneurs" "What they're doing in procurement is like Amazon!" Nick Hawtin, Defense Tech Denmar…
Alaska and DC summits - what does it mean for Ukraine? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:23
A very eventful past few days - historic summits in Alaska and DC - and felt the need to give my brief analysis of what it means and where things stand. In short, not bad and could have been alot worse. Not to mention a…