Ukraine Returns Dozens of Children from Russia, Occupied Territories

Ukraine has successfully repatriated another group of children and adolescents aged 3 months to 18 years from Russian-occupied territories and Russia itself, as part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. These minors were subjected to forced attendance at Russian schools and endured psychological and physical threats, with many separated from their families, including a child with disabilities who lacked access to necessary treatment. Among those returned are families stripped of their Ukrainian documents and basic necessities, who had previously failed in attempts to return without assistance. Ukrainian officials, including Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak and Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets, expressed gratitude to domestic and international partners for facilitating these rescues. Since the full-scale war began, Russia has deported over 19,500 Ukrainian children, prompting the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova. Ukraine continues its efforts to reunite children with their families and ensure their safety amid ongoing conflict.