25 children and teenagers were rescued from occupation last week

Last week, the Save Ukraine team rescued 25 children and teenagers from Russian occupation. This became possible thanks to the support of partners within the President of Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. Each of them endured constant pressure, threats, and fear, but today that is finally behind them.

Among those rescued:

🔹 18-year-old Milana, who was forced to obtain a Russian passport under threat of expulsion from school. Later, at university, she and other students were forced to attend meetings with Russian soldiers and threatened with disciplinary action if they refused. Throughout this time, she lived in constant fear, repeatedly witnessing armed occupation forces detaining young women on the streets.

🔹 18-year-old Andrii, whose family endured several armed searches of their home. Under threat of fines, he was forced to attend an occupation-controlled school, where Russian soldiers taught students how to handle weapons and encouraged them to enroll in Russian military institutions. As soon as Andrii turned 18, he was issued a draft notice ordering him to report to a military enlistment office.

🔹 19-year-old Valerii, who was pressured into attending a Russian school. There, students were forced to take part in propaganda activities, including making drawings for Russian soldiers. His family also endured several armed searches of their home, and recently Valerii received a draft notice ordering him to register for military service.

For these children and 22 others, occupation is now behind them. They are currently undergoing reintegration at Hope and Healing Centers, where they receive psychological support, assistance with documents, safe shelter, and the care they need for a new beginning.

Yet hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children remain under Russian control. The occupation authorities continue to intensify pressure, attempt to erase children’s Ukrainian identity, and prepare teenagers for service in the Russian military.

We sincerely thank our partners Tatjana Kiel, We Are All Ukrainians, and the Joint Center for Search and Release for their support and cooperation.

We will continue our work until every Ukrainian child is returned home.