Dispatches: The Stolen Children of Ukraine and Sacred Parenting Practices
Video
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a horrifying campaign is unfolding—one that targets not soldiers, but children. In this episode, we delve into the heartbreaking reality of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported, indoctrinated, and erased from their roots under the guise of "rescue missions."
From mass abductions to forced adoptions and identity erasure, we explore how these acts violate international law—and the deep emotional and cultural scars they leave behind.
We then take a personal and hopeful turn—into the intimate world of modern motherhood. From trauma of war reporting to the quiet magic of a toddler’s first words, we explore the transformative nature of parenting, the joy of watching a child blossom, the challenges faced by mothers navigating broken systems. The episode ends with an anecdote on the passing of wisdom from one generation of fathers to the next.
This episode is a meditation on innocence—in peril and in progress—and why protecting children means protecting our shared humanity.
We’d love to hear your comments and thoughts. Share your feelings about the use of children as a tool of statecraft. Share your stories about the magic of parenting. Please do be constructive and respectful.