Media
October 23, 2024

Successful rescue mission: Save Ukraine team brings back families of Ukrainian defenders

Last week, the Save Ukraine team, in collaboration with the SSU’s Joint Center for Coordination of Search and Release of Prisoners of War and Persons Illegally Deprived of Liberty due to Aggression against Ukraine, successfully rescued eight relatives of Ukrainian military personnel from occupation. This rescue operation was carried out as part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative.

Among those rescued were three minors and two adult daughters, including one with health issues, as well as the husbands and fathers of Ukrainian defenders. These families had been living under Russian occupation since the full-scale invasion, enduring constant surveillance by Russian special services. The environment made it nearly impossible for them to escape to Ukrainian-controlled territory.

For almost three years, the children had limited to no contact with their mothers due to the strict bureaucratic processes imposed by the occupation authorities. Each phone call required complicated approvals that often took months. Some of the children were forced to attend Russian schools and even coerced into acquiring Russian documents, all as a means of survival under occupation.

Thanks to our efforts, these families have now crossed the border into Ukraine. It is a privilege to have been entrusted with this mission to help the relatives of Ukrainian soldiers escape the oppressive grip of the Russian occupation. The psychological toll on these individuals is profound, and our work is far from over — we are committed to helping them rebuild their lives.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone involved in rescuing Ukrainian children and their families from Russian oppression. Our mission remains clear: we will not stop until every Ukrainian is free and safe.