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Home Newsroom Press Release

Ohio Becomes Fifth US State to Tackle Russia’s Abduction of Ukrainian Children

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) Nova Ukraine applauds the Ohio State Senate for becoming the fifth U.S. state legislature to introduce a resolution condemning Russia’s forced abduction of Ukrainian children.

The bipartisan bill (SCR 21) introduced by State Senators Thomas F. Patton (R-Strongsville) and Kent Smith (D-Euclid) “condemns the Russian Federation for the wrongful and illegal abduction, forcible transfer, and subsequent illegal adoption and indoctrination of children from Ukraine.”

Ohio joins Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin to take up this issue. To date, only Wisconsin has held a full vote and adopted the resolution.

Nova Ukraine Director of Advocacy Aleksandr Krapivkin says:

“We commend Ohio for taking this bold step toward holding Russia accountable for its abduction and forced adoption of Ukrainian children — a crime against humanity and grave violation of international law. Nova Ukraine will not stay silent on this issue, and we urge other states to follow Ohio’s lead.”

State Senator Patton (R-Strongsville) says:

“Russia’s actions in Ukraine are deplorable. Their illegal and forceful adoption and indoctrination of Ukrainian children is a brazen attempt to eliminate Ukraine’s language, history, culture, and identity. This resolution will send a message to both Russia and Ukraine that we will not sit by and watch the extermination of the Ukrainian people.

State Senator Smith (D-Euclid) says:

“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Senator Patton in condemnation of Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian children. Our state has a responsibility to vocally oppose those who threaten the most fundamental freedoms. This resolution demonstrates that Ohio stands against those who violate human rights, and we stand united in support of our Ukrainian allies.

Aug 20, 2026

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine
Aug 20, 2026

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) Nova Ukraine applauds the Ohio State Senate for becoming the fifth U.S. state legislature to introduce a resolution condemning Russia’s forced abduction of Ukrainian children.

The bipartisan bill (SCR 21) introduced by State Senators Thomas F. Patton (R-Strongsville) and Kent Smith (D-Euclid) “condemns the Russian Federation for the wrongful and illegal abduction, forcible transfer, and subsequent illegal adoption and indoctrination of children from Ukraine.”

Ohio joins Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin to take up this issue. To date, only Wisconsin has held a full vote and adopted the resolution.

Nova Ukraine Director of Advocacy Aleksandr Krapivkin says:

“We commend Ohio for taking this bold step toward holding Russia accountable for its abduction and forced adoption of Ukrainian children — a crime against humanity and grave violation of international law. Nova Ukraine will not stay silent on this issue, and we urge other states to follow Ohio’s lead.”

State Senator Patton (R-Strongsville) says:

“Russia’s actions in Ukraine are deplorable. Their illegal and forceful adoption and indoctrination of Ukrainian children is a brazen attempt to eliminate Ukraine’s language, history, culture, and identity. This resolution will send a message to both Russia and Ukraine that we will not sit by and watch the extermination of the Ukrainian people.

State Senator Smith (D-Euclid) says:

“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Senator Patton in condemnation of Russia’s crimes against Ukrainian children. Our state has a responsibility to vocally oppose those who threaten the most fundamental freedoms. This resolution demonstrates that Ohio stands against those who violate human rights, and we stand united in support of our Ukrainian allies.

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