Last week, 15 Ukrainian children and teenagers were brought back from temporarily occupied territories. All of them had been living under constant pressure and threat, but are now safe.
This was reported on the page of the President’s initiative Bring Kids Back UA. The return of the children was made possible by the Save Ukraine team with the support of partners.
Among those rescued is a 14-year-old girl who had to secretly study in a Ukrainian school while explosions were happening nearby. She was denied medical treatment and rehabilitation because her family refused to obtain Russian documents.
Also among those evacuated is an 18-year-old boy who hid his pro-Ukrainian views while studying, where he was forced to listen to propaganda. When young men began to be called up for military registration, he left to avoid fighting against his own country.
Another teenager said he was forced to register for military service, while armed soldiers in his hometown intimidated residents. A 17-year-old girl reported repeated searches of her home and being forced to attend an occupation-run school with military-style training.
All the rescued children are now staying in “Hope and Recovery” centers, where they receive psychological support, help with documents, housing, and care.
At the same time, the initiative notes that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children remain in occupied territories. According to the statement, occupation authorities are increasing pressure, including attempts to forcibly mobilize teenagers and complicate return routes.
The initiative stressed that efforts will continue until every Ukrainian child is brought back home.
