Rescue of Children from Russian-Occupied Territories
Last week, under the presidential initiative Bring Kids Back UA, 13 Ukrainian children and teenagers were successfully evacuated from Russian-occupied areas. This rescue operation was carried out with the involvement of the Save Ukraine team and support from various partners. The children endured psychological pressure, forced attendance at Russian curriculum schools, and threats during their time under occupation.
Among those rescued is 13-year-old Andriy, who lived in a city frequently targeted by Russian combat drones attacking civilians. The occupying authorities compelled him to attend a Russian school and threatened his parents with losing custody if they refused to comply. Andriy was subjected to intense Russian propaganda, including being forced to draw images glorifying Russian soldiers and take ideological tests.
Also among the rescued is 18-year-old Luka, coerced into attending an occupation-run school under duress. Russian forces seized his home, and upon turning 18, Luka received a summons for conscription into the Russian army despite serious health issues. The occupiers were preparing him for military mobilization. Another child, 13-year-old Nina, was forced to attend school amid threats against her parents for resisting enrollment. In these schools, children were made to sing the Russian national anthem daily and wear St. George ribbons as symbols of allegiance.
Ongoing Support and Reintegration
All rescued children are now safe and undergoing reintegration at the "Hope and Recovery" centers. These facilities offer psychological counseling, assistance with restoring official documents, and provide secure housing. Ukraine has also introduced a one-time financial aid program for children returning from deportation, forced displacement, or temporarily occupied territories.
The public organization "Ukrainian Network for Children's Rights" has launched a confidential chatbot to collect appeals related to the return of children and youth up to age 23 from occupation and deportation. The Joint Center for Search and Release Coordination supports the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and collaborates closely with it. Additionally, Ukraine has released step-by-step evacuation guidelines as part of the information campaign "It Will Be Hard, But Everything Will Be Alright" to assist those fleeing conflict zones.
Rescuing children from occupation marks a crucial step in safeguarding the rights of those impacted by armed conflict.
During wartime, children are frequently exploited for propaganda and forced assimilation, endangering their physical and mental well-being. Initiatives focused on their safe return and reintegration are vital for restoring stability and securing their future within Ukraine.