Evacuating Children from Occupied Regions
Last week, the charitable group Save Ukraine successfully relocated 23 children and teenagers from areas temporarily occupied by Russian forces. These young individuals had endured severe threats and pressures under occupation. This operation was carried out as part of the presidential initiative Bring Kids Back UA, supported by various partners. Among those rescued are nine-year-old Stefan, who was forced at school to handle grenades and collect firearms, and 13-year-old Polina, who was pursued by a combat drone. All have now reached Ukrainian-controlled territory.
Stefan shared that the FSB threatened his mother and demanded he be taught to 'love the homeland.' The children evacuated faced harsh and traumatic conditions, including:
- 20-year-old Maryana being escorted home under guard for document checks;
- Intense interrogations at checkpoints;
- Being compelled in schools to listen to teachers denying Ukraine’s existence;
- Armed occupiers raiding homes and destroying TV antennas to cut off access to information.
Currently, all 23 children are receiving care at 'Centers of Hope and Recovery,' where they get psychological support, assistance with paperwork, and housing. The Ukrainian government has introduced one-time financial aid for children returning from occupation, deportation, or forced displacement.
New Chatbot Offers Vital Support for Affected Youth
The public organization 'Ukrainian Network for Children’s Rights' has launched a chatbot to collect applications related to the return of children from occupied areas and deportation. This tool allows individuals to request help for children or young people up to 23 years old, report lost contact with family, and access information about available support. All personal data submitted through the chatbot is kept strictly confidential.
“Sadly, thousands of children remain under occupation where the enemy seeks to erase their identity and turn them into weapons. Our fight for each child continues,” stated Mykola Kuleba, founder and head of Save Ukraine.
This recent evacuation highlights the critical humanitarian challenges faced by children caught in conflict zones. The collaborative efforts of NGOs and the Ukrainian government emphasize the urgent need to protect children’s rights and preserve their identities amid war. The introduction of the chatbot and support programs marks significant progress toward helping these young survivors rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
As the situation in occupied territories continues to be dire, the experiences of those who have managed to escape highlight the urgent need for support and intervention. Recently, in a similar operation, five children returned from the Kherson region after enduring coercion and propaganda under Russian occupation. Their stories further underscore the importance of initiatives aimed at rescuing vulnerable youth. To learn more about these harrowing experiences, read about the return of children facing coercion.