The Challenge of Reuniting Deported Children
Ukraine is intensifying its efforts to retrieve children who were deported from occupied territories and Russia. This campaign is part of a broader international effort to address alleged war crimes. Among them is 12-year-old Ivan, who lived in the Russian-occupied part of the Kherson region. His mother was killed while he was at home, leaving him an orphan. Seven months ago, volunteers helped Ivan reach Ukrainian-controlled territory, and he now lives with four other orphans under the care of a woman named Natalia in a purpose-built settlement for displaced people in the Kyiv region.
Another case is that of 16-year-old Valeria, who spent a year and a half in a Russian camp. Ukraine's Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate recently published data on organizations and individuals involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children. In particular, thousands of teenagers from temporarily occupied territories are being taken to Russia through a project called 'Cultural Map 4+85'.
The Children's Ordeal
Ivan recounts his traumatic experience: 'A [Russian] soldier came to us. To drink some wine... I was sitting in the room, playing with a small elephant and a little bear. And the soldier wanted to rape [my mother]. I was sitting there playing, then I heard gunshots. At first, I lay down on the floor. I heard the shots. And when they stopped, I didn't hear anything anymore.'
Valeria shared her impressions of the impact of Russian propaganda on children: 'The Russians are breaking children's psyches. I am simply not myself anymore. You go to school, you learn and know Ukrainian, you speak Ukrainian at home, and then they come and tell you something completely different. The Russians are skilled at propaganda. Even my character traits changed after this, I can feel it.'
The issue of returning children from occupied territories and Russia remains urgent, and Ukrainian authorities continue working to bring them home. The psychological toll on these young victims is immense and requires long-term support. This situation highlights the severe consequences of war for children, who become victims of violence and manipulation. Returning these children is crucial not only from a legal standpoint but also for restoring their psychological well-being and identity. Ukraine needs to strengthen its efforts with the international community to ensure the rights and safety of these children.