Last week, the Save Ukraine team, as part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, rescued five children from the occupied region of Ukraine.

10-year-old Maksym and 6-year-old Oksana had not attended school or kindergarten for nearly three years because their parents refused to send them to Russian-controlled institutions. At home, they had a small secret — they hid a Ukrainian flag in their attic. Their grandmother, paralyzed due to shelling, was unable to receive medical care because Russian occupiers refused treatment to anyone without a Russian passport. These actions directly violate the Geneva Conventions on the protection of civilians during war, as occupying powers are obligated to ensure access to medical care and basic needs.

The occupiers similarly violated humanitarian law in the village where 10-year-old Nastia and her family lived. Their community had been isolated from civilization since the very beginning of Russia’s invasion. Medicine, food, and clothing were inaccessible because Russian forces blocked all humanitarian aid. To obtain the most necessities, families had to pass through numerous checkpoints, endure interrogations, and risk not returning home.

15-year-old Ihor and 17-year-old Andrii had to leave their homes to escape the criminal occupying regime. Despite being underage, the boys had already undergone military training and received draft notices to serve in the Russian army. These teen stories highlight yet another war crime committed by Russia — the militarization of Ukrainian children and attempts to involve them in armed conflict. Each of these cases vividly demonstrates how far Russia is willing to go in its violations of the Geneva Conventions.

Fortunately, today, these children and their families are safe. We thank our partners We Are All Ukrainians 2022, Ron Wahid, Humanity Charitable Foundation, and the Unified Coordination Center for the Search and Release of Prisoners for their unwavering support.
Together, we are giving children and their families a chance for a dignified and secure future.