Advocates spotlight missing Ukrainian children with thousands of teddy bears
Between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument, a stark blood-red message stood on the lawn of the National Mall on Thursday.
"Putin abducted 20,000 Ukrainian children. Bring kids back," it said, referencing the children allegedly stolen by Russia amid the ongoing war. Advocates had gathered Thursday to call for reunification of Ukrainian families.
Organizers spent hours assembling the installation, which was made up of tiny crimson, white and beige teddy bears.
With the United States focused on negotiations with Iran, rallygoers hoped to highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis. An estimated 20,000 children have been abducted by Russia, the Ukrainian Embassy said.
Russian officials have repeatedly dismissed the abduction claims, claiming their soldiers have only rescued Ukrainian children and promptly reunited them with their families when possible.
Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, and Democrats Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland joined Ukrainian ambassador Olga Stefanishyna for a news conference.
The ambassador had harsh words for Russian leaders, whom she called criminals, and a plea for U.S. lawmakers.
"We urge our colleagues from Senate and Congress not to forget, to keep this wheel running," Stefanishyna said.
McCaul, an outspoken Ukraine ally, warned the count of missing children could be significantly underreported. He issued a call to action and pressed for "moral clarity" among his colleagues.
"History will judge us by how we respond," the congressman said.
The lawmakers also shared bipartisan praise for first lady Melania Trump who has made reuniting Ukraine’s families a personal mission.
In August 2025, the first lady wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin advocating for the return of missing children, ABC News reported. The president said he personally delivered that note at the two leaders’ summit in Alaska.
The first lady's office announced on April 2 she had facilitated her fourth round of reunifications.
Melania Trump praised leadership from both Ukraine and Russia for their help while hosting a separate event across town Thursday.
“This is not an easy feat, but I applaud leadership from both nations in working with my representative and me to bring love and safety back to each individual,” she said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also praised Melania Trump’s efforts.
But he and others emphasize there will be no real peace in Ukraine until all its people -- including the children -- are freed.
