For several days now, 18-year-old Serhii has been falling asleep peacefully, no longer afraid that armed men will burst through his door. In 2024, the occupiers took the young man right from his home, put a bag over his head, and then beat him and staged a mock execution by holding an assault rifle to his temple. All this abuse was solely because he held only Ukrainian documents. Today, he is safe, working with psychologists, making plans, and gradually regaining control over his life.

19-year-old Oleh lived under constant FSB surveillance, where every step could lead to an interrogation. During the filtration process, the young man was interrogated for several hours and pressured to sign a contract with the aggressor’s army. He is now undergoing rehabilitation at our center.

Alina, Yehor, and Khrystyna survived a raid on their own home: 30 armed soldiers surrounded the house, beat their father in front of the children, and threatened to kill him. At school, the children were forced to study in “cadet classes” and participate in all patriotic events. Fortunately, the children and their parents have been rescued and are gradually recovering their psychological well-being with the support of our specialists.

These and five other children we rescued from occupation last week have already been given a chance at a new life. All of them are safe in our centers, receiving psychological help, legal assistance, support with documents, and secure housing.

But thousands of children remain trapped. Russia is increasing the pressure, militarizing schools, and attempting to forcibly mobilize the youth. Return routes are becoming increasingly complex and dangerous. Despite this, we continue to fight for every child.

We sincerely thank Wladimir Klitschko, Tatjana Kiel from WeAreAllUkrainians, Helping to Leave, the Unified Center for the Coordination of Search and Release, and the Security Service of Ukraine, who made these returns possible.

Special thanks to the Coordination Center for the Development of Family Upbringing and the member countries of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative for supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of children after their return.

Together, we have already returned over 1,000 Ukrainian children. And we will not stop until every child is safe.