Back in Ukrainian-held territory: six more children leave occupied Kherson region

Children return safely to Ukrainian-controlled territory

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Six more children have made it back from the occupied parts of Kherson region to territory under Ukrainian control. This group includes four girls and two boys, aged 10 to 17. The return was made possible with help from the charity Save Ukraine as part of the presidential initiative Bring Kids Back UA. These evacuations are part of a wider effort to address the forced relocation of Ukrainian children during the war.

Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, reported that since the beginning of 2026, a total of 157 children have been brought back from the occupied parts of the region.

“This is another step toward ensuring our children can once again live at home with their families, free from Russian occupation,” Prokudin said as he welcomed the latest group.

Support for returning children

During the latest rescue operation, an additional 11 children were evacuated after being subjected to forced Russification. The government has also introduced a one-time payment for any child who returns to Ukrainian-controlled territory after deportation or forced relocation from occupied areas.

The Ukrainian Network for Children’s Rights has launched a chatbot to collect requests related to bringing children and young people back from occupation or deportation.

• The chatbot allows users to submit a request for the return of a child or a young person up to 23 years old.
• It can also be used to report lost contact with family members and to receive information about available support.

All personal information provided through the chatbot remains confidential.

This news highlights the work of Ukrainian authorities and humanitarian organizations to rescue children affected by war and forced deportation. Returning children to government-held territory is an essential step in helping them rebuild their lives and ensuring their rights are protected. The chatbot gives families a practical way to seek assistance and stay informed about reunification options.

The ongoing efforts to reunite children with their families continue to yield results. Recently, another group of children has successfully returned home, highlighting the persistent challenges faced due to forced relocations. For more on this significant development and to understand the broader impact of these evacuations, read about how 69 more Ukrainian children have come back.