OSCE to investigate Russia’s indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children

On 14 May, 41 OSCE participating States, including Finland, invoked the Moscow Mechanism to investigate Russia’s indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children. The mechanism was invoked in close cooperation with Ukraine.

The situation of millions of Ukrainian children—both those living in Russian‑occupied territories and those who have been forcibly deported or transferred to Russia—has been a major focus of international concern since the start of Russia’s war of aggression. The experts appointed under the Moscow Mechanism will investigate Russia’s actions in relation to Ukrainian children.

The investigation will focus on indoctrination, militarisation, coercion and physical and psychological violence directed at children. It will also analyse other practices aimed at, for example, eroding the Ukrainian identity. Indoctrination refers to the one‑sided imposition of doctrines and beliefs while denying the individual the opportunity to question them.

The independent report is scheduled to be completed in mid-July.

The Moscow Mechanism is part of efforts to ensure accountability

As part of the international community, Finland has consistently emphasised accountability during Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Mechanism now invoked is a continuation of the 2023 Mechanism, which investigated forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children to parts of Ukraine’s territory controlled by Russia, or to Russia. According to the report, Russia has committed violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. In some cases, these violations have been flagrant and met the criteria for a war crime. In addition, the forced deportation of children may amount to a crime against humanity.

The Moscow Mechanism is now being used for the sixth time during Russia’s war of aggression.

The previous Mechanisms have addressed human rights violations at a general level in April and in July 2022, the forcible transfer and deportation of children in spring 2023, arbitrary arrests of Ukrainian civilians by Russia in spring 2024 and the treatment of Ukrainian POWs in autumn 2025.

Finland has been actively involved in invoking all the above-mentioned Mechanisms. Finland also prioritised the situation of Ukrainian children and efforts to return them to Ukraine during its Chairpersonship of the OSCE in 2025.

What is the Moscow Mechanism?

The Moscow Mechanism is an OSCE instrument for assessing the implementation of OSCE human rights commitments in participating States.

Reports prepared under the Mechanism provide an independent expert assessment and recommendations for the information of the participating States and the public.  

The Mechanism supports dialogue and a cooperative assessment of the commitments within the OSCE.