23 children return from Russian occupation to Ukraine-controlled territories after enduring forced weapons practice and drone attacks
Photo source: Save Ukraine
Last week, the Save Ukraine charitable organization evacuated 23 children and teenagers from temporarily occupied territories after they endured pressure, intimidation, and danger from Russian occupiers.
Rubryka reports that Mykola Kuleba, founder and head of Save Ukraine, announced that the organization conducted the rescue mission with support from partners under President Volodymyr Zelenskyi's Bring Kids Back UA initiative.
Nine-year-old Stefan was among those rescued from the occupation. At school, occupiers forced the boy to throw grenades and assemble and disassemble automatic rifles. When the child drew a blue-and-yellow flag, school officials summoned his mother. The Federal Security Service (FSB) threatened her with retaliation and demanded she teach her son to "love the motherland."
Another rescued child, 13-year-old Polina, nearly died when a Russian combat drone pursued her in her own yard. To save herself, the child had to throw herself onto the ground and hide in the thorny bushes. After enduring this trauma, she felt so terrified that she refused to leave her home. However, Polina did not feel safe at home either, as occupiers burst into houses with weapons. To deprive residents of access to information, Russians publicly shot down home television antennas.
The rescued group also includes 20-year-old Mariana. Armed Russian soldiers forced her to walk home under escort for document checks. At checkpoints, occupiers subjected the young woman to harsh interrogations. In the occupation school, they forced her to listen to imported teachers who openly declared that Ukraine does not exist.
All 23 rescued children and teenagers now reside in territory controlled by Ukraine. They are undergoing rehabilitation at Hope and Healing centers, where they receive psychological support, assistance with documentation, and housing.
Save Ukraine emphasizes that, despite rescuing this group of children, thousands of minors still remain under occupation.
"Unfortunately, thousands of children still remain under occupation, where the enemy attempts to erase their identity and turn them into weapons. Therefore, our fight for each of them continues," the head of Save Ukraine emphasized.
Background
It should be noted that the state comprehensively supports children returning to territory controlled by Ukraine following deportation, forced displacement, or life in temporarily occupied territories. The government introduced one-time assistance for children returning to controlled territory after deportation, forced displacement, or life under temporary occupation.
It is worth adding that the Ukrainian Network for Children's Rights public union launched a chatbot to collect requests regarding the return of children and youth from occupation and deportation. The tool allows users to submit requests regarding the return of a child or young person under 23, report a loss of contact with family, and receive information about available support. All applicant data remains confidential.
