As a part of the President of Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative and the tireless work of the Ombudsman’s Office, five children who had been living under Russian occupation have finally returned to safety in Ukraine.
Eight-year-old Yaroslav lived with his grandmother under occupation after losing his mother at the age of 3. His father, working abroad, tried many times to bring him home, but the occupying authorities put up endless roadblocks. Despite being forced into a Russian school, Yaroslav secretly continued his education online through a Ukrainian school. Now, he is finally reunited with his father and can begin to rebuild his childhood.
Another family lived in constant fear. While the mother, a soldier in Ukraine’s Armed Forces, was held captive, her husband and their 15-year-old daughter, Maria, remained under close watch by the FSB. They couldn’t attempt to flee, knowing it would put the mother in greater danger. After the mother’s release from captivity, the family reunited in Ukraine.
Mykola, a 17-year-old boy with strong pro-Ukrainian beliefs, reached out for help to escape the occupied territories. He studied in college but rejected the narratives the occupying regime forced upon him and couldn’t imagine a future there. With support from the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and the Ombudsman’s Office, he is now able to celebrate his 18th birthday in Ukraine.
These stories are just a glimpse of the resilience and bravery of Ukraine’s children and families. Every child’s return is a victory, but many still remain under occupation or in Russia. Together, we will fight until every child is brought back home.
*The names of the children have been changed to protect their safety.