An estimated 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken into Russian custody. They are scattered across orphanages, camps, and foster homes.

Since Russian-occupied regions remain largely inaccessible, the true number may be even higher. Behind each statistic lies a personal tragedy and a test of international resolve.

One such case is 15-year-old Alina Kovaleva, abducted from the Kherson region, where Russian authorities forged adoption papers to erase her Ukrainian identity.

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