Rescuing Children from Temporarily Occupied Areas
In a significant humanitarian effort, 14 children and one adult deprived of parental care were safely evacuated from the temporarily occupied part of Kherson Oblast to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Among those rescued are four boys and ten girls, ranging in age from 6 to 17 years old. This operation was carried out under the presidential Bring Kids Back UA initiative, with collaboration from the Save Ukraine charity, the Office of the President, and other government bodies. All returnees and their families are now secure and receiving the support they need.
Noteworthy cases include a 16-year-old boy who was pressured into military registration and a 17-year-old girl who continued her Ukrainian education despite Russian occupation. Additionally, a 10-year-old girl who dreamed of returning to safety at home was among those brought back. Since the start of 2026, the initiative has facilitated the return of a total of 204 children.
Post-Return Assistance for Children
To support children returning from occupation or deportation, the Ukrainian government has introduced a one-time financial aid program. The public association 'Ukrainian Network for Children’s Rights' has also launched a chatbot to assist families in requesting the return of children and youth up to 23 years old. This tool allows users to report lost contact with relatives and access information about available support, with all personal data kept strictly confidential.
Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Oleksandr Prokudin, emphasized: "Each of these individuals endured severe hardships under the pressure of the occupation regime."
This development highlights the crucial role of international cooperation in reuniting Ukrainian children with their families. Countries such as Canada and Hungary are currently negotiating increased support for these efforts.
Moreover, the European Union has extended sanctions targeting 10 individuals and 17 organizations involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children. The United States has pledged $12 million to aid the reintegration of returned children, signaling strong global solidarity in addressing this urgent issue.
The successful return of children from occupied territories underscores the commitment of the Ukrainian government and international partners to protect children’s rights and facilitate their reintegration. Initiatives like Bring Kids Back UA represent vital progress toward restoring safety and support for vulnerable youth. The ongoing challenge of child deportations remains a pressing concern, demanding continued attention from the global community, as reflected in recent actions by the EU and the US.