Today, a Ukrainian servicewoman was reunited with her son, who had spent the last three years under occupation. This incredible achievement was made possible through President Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative and the dedicated efforts of our partners, the Ukrainian Child Rights Network
Before the full-scale invasion, Vitaliy lived peacefully with his mother and grandmother in Svatove, Luhansk region. However, their lives were upended when Russian forces began relentless shelling, leading to the city’s occupation in March 2022.
Vitaliy’s mother joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the onset of the war, entrusting his care to her mother. Tragically, two weeks ago, Vitaliy’s grandmother passed away, leaving the young boy alone in an occupied city. This placed him in immediate danger of deportation to Russia and potential placement in an orphanage.
Desperate to save her son, Vitaliy’s mother reached out to the hotline of the Ukrainian Network for Children’s Rights. With time of the essence, the team acted swiftly, mapping out a safe route and organizing his evacuation.
Yesterday, under the care of a psychologist from the UCRN, Vitaliy crossed the Ukrainian border and was finally reunited with his mother. Today, he is safe, free, and home on Ukrainian soil.
For security reasons, Vitaliy’s name has been changed.
The Ukrainian Network for Children’s Rights, in partnership with SOS-Kinderdörfer weltweit and Hermann-Gmeiner-Fonds Deutschland e.V., is implementing the project “The Way Home: A New Route” to facilitate the return and support of deported children and youth.
Every child’s return is a profound victory — a step closer to our ultimate goal: bringing every Ukrainian child back home.