One child was successfully brought back from the temporarily occupied territory

As part of the President of Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, the Helping to Leave team helped Olha* and her mother returned from Russia to Ukrainian-controlled territory.

After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Olha and her mother left the Kherson region for Russia. Later, the family decided to return to Ukraine but was deeply concerned about the journey and the challenges they might face along the way.

Their worries were compounded by a health crisis: Olha’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. After completing a course of treatment, she and her daughter contacted Helping to Leave for assistance with their return.

The team advised the family on the necessary documents and possible travel routes. Due to personal circumstances, Olha and her mother were unable to make the journey for quite some time, but they stayed in touch with the team.

Eventually, the family found the strength to begin their journey and successfully returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Their cat travelled with them, too.

Today, Olha is back in Ukraine. She continues her education at school, while she and her mother plan their next steps and build their lives at home.

Every return is an opportunity to come home, recover from what has been experienced, and build a future in Ukraine.

*Names have been changed for security reasons.