Just before Christmas, a true miracle happened—8-year-old Alisa finally reunited with her mother, Tamila, who serves in the National Guard of Ukraine. War had separated them, and for almost three years, Alisa hadn’t seen her mom.

Alisa was left in an occupied village with her grandmother while her mother was deployed to western Ukraine. Under occupation, the child faced constant danger. Russian soldiers conducted searches, pointed weapons at her, and forced her to attend a Russian school.

Her grandparents protected her as best they could, concealing her mother’s whereabouts from the occupying forces. They fabricated a story that Tamila was working in Poland and took great care to ensure their granddaughter wouldn’t accidentally reveal the truth. Despite everything, Alisa longed to be with her mom. She made one simple wish this year —to spend New Year’s with her mother.

That wish came true thanks to the combined efforts of Save Ukraine and @bringkidsback_ua. Their first embrace after such a long separation became a powerful symbol that even in the darkest times, children’s dreams can come true.

We are grateful to our partners: We Are All Ukrainians, Ron Wahid, and the Joint Center for Coordination of Search and Release of Prisoners. Together, we make miracles happen. 💛