During the same Commission hearing, witnesses described operational cooperation with Ukrainian prosecutors documenting large numbers of alleged war crimes and highlighted the forced transfer and resettlement of children as a central concern.

Ambassador Clint Williamson, who said his team has worked with Ukraine's prosecutor general, told the commission that forced transfer of children "is cited in the genocide convention as indicative of intent to destroy in whole or in part one of these groups." Williamson added that early counts of war-crime filings were large and that publicly cited numbers (he referenced "around 204,000") included duplicative reporting, but that even with duplication the caseload represents "tens of thousands of cases." He said his office is assisting Ukraine with investigations and prosecutions.

Dr. Paul Williams and Dr. Christopher Chivvis urged lawmakers to consider actions that preserve accountability in any negotiated settlement. "Passing legislation brings moral clarity to what's happening," Williams said, urging Congress to act so that policy debates do not obscure responsibility for atrocities.

Commission members discussed whether congressional resolutions or votes labeling the abductions and related crimes as genocide would provide useful moral and political clarity. Witnesses noted existing international mechanisms, including work by the International Criminal Court and indictments that name senior Russian officials and others implicated in child-transfer operations.

Why it matters: witnesses framed child abductions and systematic forcible transfers as among the strongest indicators that genocidal intent may exist. Several witnesses called for legislative and diplomatic steps to preserve accountability while supporting Ukraine's justice efforts.

The hearing ended without a formal congressional vote on these questions; witnesses said taking measures in both chambers could help maintain focus on accountability as peace talks advance.