Vladimir Putin's direct involvement in the forcible deportation of Ukrainian children has been visible from the outset, the UN says.

The deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia constitutes a crime against humanity and a war crime, the UN has said.

A new report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine says Russian authorities “at the highest level” have deported “thousands” of children from the occupied areas of Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin’s “direct involvement” has been “visibile form the outset,” it adds.

Ukraine says almost 20,000 children have been illegally sent to Russia and Belarus.