Last week, the Save Ukraine team rescued 15 Ukrainian children and teenagers from Russian occupation. This was made possible thanks to the support of Wladimir Klitschko, Tatjana Kiel from WeAreAllUkrainians, the Humanity Foundation, Helping to Leave, and the Joint Coordination Center for Search and Release. These children endured threats, coercion, and relentless propaganda. Today, they are safe.

Matvii, 17, was forced to attend a Russian school where, in his final years, he was trained in military drills and taught how to use military gear and firearms. Like all his classmates, he was forcibly registered for military service at 16 and prepared to be drafted into the occupying army as soon as he turned 18.

Alisa, 3, and Solomiia, 5, were made in kindergarten to draw the Russian tricolor and were told that Ukraine is the enemy. The occupiers organized closed “celebrations” where parents were not allowed, but Russian soldiers—who were shelling their village—were present. The children were forced to give these soldiers handmade gifts.

Danylo, 17, lived in a city overwhelmed by occupying forces, heavy military equipment, and aircraft. At checkpoints, he regularly encountered aggressive soldiers who threatened him with violence for a “wrong” look or for refusing to apply for a Russian passport.

All the rescued children are now staying at Hope and Recovery Centers, where they receive psychological support, help with documents, safe housing, and care—everything they need to regain a sense of security and learn how to dream again.

Thanks to Save Ukraine, more than 1,000 children have already been rescued from occupation. But thousands are still waiting to be saved.