Young Ukrainians from Occupied Regions Expose Russian Crimes Against Children at OSCE Session

Young Voices from Ukraine Share Their Experiences at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

According to Embajada de Ucrania en el Reino de España: During the autumn session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly held in Andorra, young Ukrainians from temporarily occupied territories presented compelling testimonies revealing Russia’s violations against Ukrainian children. At a dedicated meeting of the Parliamentary Support Group for Ukraine, participants addressed issues such as intimidation, threats, the suppression of the Ukrainian language, militarization, and propaganda imposed by the occupying authorities. Dmitro, Viktoriya, and Polina took part in this event, sharing deeply personal accounts of life under Russian occupation.

The stories shared by Dmitro, Viktoriya, and Polina highlighted the widespread impact of Russian control on the younger generation. They detailed the pressure and threats faced from occupation forces, as well as the deliberate removal of the Ukrainian language from educational institutions. Their testimonies also shed light on the militarization of children and the forced exposure to Russian propaganda, which significantly affect their identity, education, and worldview.

The Significance of These Youth Testimonies

Having reached adulthood, Dmitro, Viktoriya, and Polina independently left the occupied territories to settle in areas under Ukrainian control. Their firsthand accounts have become a crucial part of raising awareness about ongoing crimes against Ukrainian children. Earlier, in April 2026, a similar event took place at the Spanish Senate, where young Ukrainians who had returned from Russia shared their personal experiences.

Ukraine intends to continue bringing attention to Russia’s offenses against children on international platforms, providing partners with direct narratives from those affected. Photographs from the young speakers’ presentations were featured on the official page of Ukrainian Member of Parliament Yevheniya Kravchuk, underscoring the importance of these testimonies in the fight for children’s rights in occupied regions.

These accounts from young Ukrainians emphasize the grave circumstances faced by children living in temporarily occupied areas. They offer the international community vital insight into the ongoing human rights abuses in Ukraine. Supporting initiatives like this is essential to drawing global attention to the issue and advancing efforts toward its resolution.

As these young Ukrainians bravely share their experiences, it is essential to remember the ongoing plight of children escaping from Russian occupation. A recent report highlights the stories of five children from the Kherson region who faced coercion and propaganda at the hands of occupying forces. Their return sheds light on the broader context of the challenges faced by youth in conflict zones. To learn more about their harrowing experiences, you can read about the struggles of children escaping from Kherson.