Two children and mother are rescued from the occupied territory

As part of the Ukrainian President’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, the joint efforts of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network and Humanity Funds helped return a mother and her two children, aged 14 and 6, from temporarily occupied territory.

For three and a half years, the family had been separated. The father was on territory controlled by Ukraine, while his wife and children remained under Russian occupation.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the mother and children had lived in a settlement where the security situation remained extremely dangerous. Leaving on their own was not possible.

Throughout these years, the father never stopped searching for a way to bring his family home. He explored different routes and looked for people who could help them leave safely.

Eventually, he turned to the Ukrainian Child Rights Network and Humanity Funds for assistance.

Organizing the return required careful planning. Shortly before departure, the mother underwent surgery, making the journey particularly challenging.

The teams had to consider her health and physical condition, ensuring that the route was as safe and manageable as possible for the entire family.

Together, the Ukrainian Child Rights Network and Humanity Funds planned the route, arranged logistics, and coordinated every stage of the return.

After three and a half years apart, the family is finally reunited.

Today, the mother and her two children are back on territory controlled by Ukraine, together with their father.

Behind them are years of separation, uncertainty, and danger. Ahead lie adaptation, recovery, and the opportunity to build their future together in safety.

Every return is more than a journey out of occupation. It is an opportunity to restore family connections torn apart by Russia’s war.

We continue working so that Ukrainian children who remain under Russian control can receive the support they need and return home safely.