On July 24, 2024, seven Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories returned to Ukraine within the Bring Kids Back Ua initiative, thanks to the efforts led by NGO "Save Ukraine".
Two brothers, aged 15 and 19, were also returned. Their parents were detained by the FSB over a month ago and are currently missing. The Russian special services also questioned the older brother. The boys were difficult to extract from the occupation but are now temporarily cared for by their godmother.
An 18-year-old boy and a 19-year-old girl, orphans from a foster family in the Kherson region, were among those returned. They had received threats due to their pro-Ukrainian stance. Ukraine will now provide them with placement in family-based care and the necessary support.
A 14-year-old boy, who was unable to leave the occupied territory due to the destruction of a bridge by Russian forces, has been reunited with his mother after years of being apart. The seventh child is a teenage boy whose mother is still under occupation.
Since 2014, 1.5 million Ukrainian children have found themselves in occupied territories or in Russia. Many were illegally deported or forcibly displaced, while others remain at risk, subjected to Russian indoctrination. Those who refuse to accept Russian citizenship or join paramilitary groups are most threatened.
Russia continues its policy of eradicating Ukrainian identity, forcing russification and military indoctrination on children. Ukrainian children urgently need protection, and Ukraine remains committed to ensuring their safety and fighting for its future.