Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Save Ukraine and the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA initiative, five more children who endured the horrors of occupation are now safe. It’s a difficult journey, but each rescue is a step towards a future where every child has the right to a happy and peaceful life.

One of the rescued, 16-year-old Valerii, shared how he was in a state of shock in the early days of the full-scale invasion when russian forces broke into every home, searching and yelling at locals. At one point, the occupiers nearly killed his best friend. With a gun to his head, the boy was forced into a car and taken somewhere. The soldiers wanted his friend to show them where the girls lived. At Valerii’s school, he was prepared for service in the russian army and taught to assemble and disassemble weapons.

Eleven-year-old Yevheniia also had to attend a russian school, where, aside from relentless propaganda, the children received no real education. A naturally curious and creative girl, she had no opportunity to develop her talents. Instead, she experienced forced “conversations about important things,” participation in the “Young Army,” and singing the russian anthem before each class. When Yevheniia didn’t write a letter to a soldier in the “special military operation” who was killing Ukrainians, her grades in all subjects were lowered, and bullying began.

Nine-year-old Danylo left the occupation in the worst psychological state. At first, he had to hide with his mother in a basement to escape the explosions. When the russians destroyed the Kakhovka Dam, his family had to live in the attic of their house for almost a week. Under the intense stress, Danylo’s grandfather lost his vision, and Danylo himself suffered severe psychological trauma, becoming withdrawn and isolated. When our team gave him a blue-and-yellow flag, he began to cry but remained silent.

Our gratitude goes to our partners WeAreAllUkrainians, Ron Wahid, and the Humanity Charitable Foundation for their support in rescuing these children. Each child saved is one more step toward victory!