On March 17, the Podil Theater in Kyiv hosted a cultural event marking the second anniversary of the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. The warrants were issued in response to the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, a crime that continues to devastate families and communities.

The event was organized by the Ukrainian Presidential Initiative Bring Kids Back UA, the Maria Zankovetska National Theater, and the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Reserve.

The evening began with a powerful monodrama, "The Bird in the Attic", telling the story of a 13-year-old girl who records her testimony about deportation, forced separation from her mother—a soldier—and her struggle to preserve her identity. Her voice echoed through the hall, serving as a stark reminder of Russia’s ongoing crimes.

Following the performance, the exhibition "Stolen Childhood" was unveiled. Originally created last year by the Babyn Yar Reserve with support from the German Embassy and Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, the exhibition conveys the pain of thousands of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia. Sculptures by Julia Beliaeva and video art by Mykhailo Alekseenko provided a poignant reminder that this is not merely a war crime — it is an attempt to erase an entire generation.

The event concluded with a panel discussion, "The Deportation of Ukrainian Children: Consequences and Accountability." Diplomats, government officials, civil society leaders, and artists engaged in a critical conversation on the challenges of repatriating these children, legal mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable, and the complex process of reintegrating affected families.

Roza Tapanova, Director of the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Reserve, stated:

"Russia is committing the gravest crime — child genocide — by attempting to erase an entire generation. Last year, Babyn Yar was among the first to bring attention to this issue. Today, we stand united to raise awareness, fight for the return of every child, and ensure justice for the perpetrators".

The ICC arrest warrants are just the beginning. The fight continues. Art remains a powerful tool to engage the international community, evoke empathy, and mobilize support for justice.

The event was held with the support of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.