8 children and teenagers were rescued from occupation by the Save Ukraine team last week. This became possible thanks to the support of partners within the framework of the President of Ukraine’s initiative Bring Kids Back UA. Each of them endured pressure, threats, and attempts at “re-education,” but today, that nightmare is finally behind them. 

Among the rescued children: 

🔹 15-year-old Maria, who refused to attend a russian school for two years until the occupiers began threatening her mother with the deprivation of parental rights. Fear and isolation from her peers severely affected the girl’s health. 

🔹 21-year-old Illia, who, together with his sister, was interrogated by the FSB. The occupiers tried to force the young man onto the enemy’s military register, and in recent months he could barely move freely around the city because of the constant patrols. 

🔹 15-year-old Kseniia, who was unfairly moved two grades down in a russian school, as if she was unable to keep up with the studies. During lessons, teachers told children that Ukraine does not exist. 

🔹16-year-old Lev, whose school installed a mobile app on his phone to monitor and control children. The teenager decided to leave the occupation after a military draft notice was delivered to his home. 

For these four children and four others, occupation is now in the past. They are currently recovering at our Hope and Healing Centers, where they receive comprehensive psychological support, assistance with documents, and comfortable housing to help them start over. 

Yet thousands of children remain trapped, forced to forget their roots while being openly prepared for war. But we will not stop. 

🙏 We are deeply grateful to our partners @klitschko, @tatjanakiel, @weareallukrainians2022, @humanitynk, and the Joint Center for Coordination of Search and Release — together, we are bringing Ukrainian children home. 

Thanks to Save Ukraine, more than 1,300 children are already back home.