Calling for the return of abducted Ukrainian children before finalizing any peace agreement to end the war against Ukraine.

Legislative Summary: HRES 564

Overview

HRES 564 is a House Resolution focused on the protection and return of Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred to the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, or Russian-occupied territories during the ongoing war. The resolution serves as a formal statement of policy and a diplomatic demand, asserting that the return of these children is a prerequisite for any final peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this resolution is to condemn the Russian Federation's systemic abduction and "Russification" of Ukrainian children. The House of Representatives aims to highlight these actions as grave breaches of international law—specifically the Geneva Convention and the Genocide Convention—and to ensure that the restoration of these children to their rightful homes is a non-negotiable condition for ending the conflict.

Key Provisions and Findings

The resolution outlines several critical concerns and formal positions:

• Condemnation of Abductions: The House officially condemns the abduction, forcible transfer, and illegal deportation of Ukrainian children by the Russian Government.
• Statistical Evidence: The bill cites that as of April 16, 2025, there are at least 19,546 confirmed reports of unlawful deportations, while only 1,274 children have been successfully returned.
• Erasure of Identity: The resolution highlights the "Russification" process, including the changing of adoption laws to facilitate forced adoptions and the stripping of Ukrainian names, language, and identity.
• Human Rights Violations: It references the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, noting Russia's use of child soldiers and its status as a hub for human trafficking.
• Diplomatic Requirement: The resolution explicitly urges that all abducted Ukrainian children be returned before any peace agreement is finalized to end the war.

Affected Parties

• Ukrainian Children: Specifically those abducted, forcibly adopted, or residing in occupied territories facing forced Russification.
• The Russian Federation & Republic of Belarus: Identified as the perpetrators of these illegal transfers and the entities responsible for their return.
• The U.S. Government: Using this resolution to shape its diplomatic approach and conditions for supporting a "peaceful and just conclusion" to the war.

Procedural Status

• Submitted: June 30, 2025.
• Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• Sponsorship: The resolution has broad bipartisan support, with a significant number of co-sponsors from across the political spectrum.

Note: As a House Resolution (HRES), this document expresses the "sense of the House." While it does not carry the force of law like a bill (e.g., creating a new agency or spending money), it serves as a powerful diplomatic tool and a formal declaration of U.S. foreign policy priorities.