Russia charges woman who adopted Mariupol teenager with child trafficking. Yes, you read that right. Also, Belgium eases Russian asset unfreezing while stalling Europe’s ‘reparations loan.’ — Meduza

Russia Charges Woman for Adopting Mariupol Teen

Irina Rudnitskaya, a prominent figure in Russia's controversial adoption of minors from occupied Ukraine, faces up to ten years in prison on child trafficking charges. She was arrested in Moscow on October 30 and remains in pretrial detention until November 22. Her lawyers plan to appeal the detention.

Background on Irina Rudnitskaya

Rudnitskaya is a clinical psychologist and mother of 12 adopted children. She leads an organization promoting "family values" and supports foster parents. Authorities have not disclosed further case details, which also involves two other detained women.

Personal History and Recognition

According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, after losing her two-year-old daughter, Rudnitskaya enlisted in the military and served at a hospital in Shali during the Second Chechen War. Following health issues, she started adopting children, founded a foster parent school in 2013, and launched Family Commonwealth in 2017.

In 2023, the Moscow regional governor honored her for her public service.

Controversial Adoption

Rudnitskaya is known for adopting Bogdan Yermokhin, a Ukrainian teenager taken from Mariupol during Russia's invasion. In summer 2022, Yermokhin was brought to Russia together with his friend Filipp Golovnya, who was placed under the guardianship of Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential children's rights commissioner.

"Rudnitskaya reportedly sought to avoid jail for the sake of her dependents."

Author's summary: Irina Rudnitskaya, a key figure in the disputed adoption of Ukrainian minors, is now detained on child trafficking charges amid Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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Meduza Meduza — 2025-11-05

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