Hugs, tears of happiness, and overwhelming joy—another 11 children have returned to Ukraine. Thanks to the tireless work of Save Ukraine and our partners Bring Kids Back UA @bringkidsback_ua, this challenging rescue mission succeeded. Altogether, we have managed to bring back 477 children.

The story of Hanna deserves special attention. A month ago, we had to rescue her son from the occupied territory urgently. At that time, the boy informed us that his mother had been captured by FSB agents and taken to an unknown location. Left alone with the enemy, he understood he could be the next victim.

We were able to free Hanna. From her, we learned about the conditions of captivity. Chained to a bed in a basement with other women, she endured inhumane torture by electric shock and brutal beatings. Not obtaining the desired information, the occupiers blindfolded Hanna, took her away, and abandoned her without a phone, money, or documents. Today, Hanna is finally safe.
Among those rescued:

🔹 A 13-year-old girl who was staying with her grandmother in the occupied territory will finally reunite with her mother, whom she hasn’t seen since the start of the full-scale war. The occupiers constantly searched their home, trying to find weapons and forbidden Ukrainian materials. The school imposed mandatory assemblies with the russian anthem, and during history lessons, the teacher claimed that Ukraine never existed. The girl realized she could be taken to an orphanage at any moment because she had no russian documents. She felt immense relief when she saw the blue and yellow flag at the border.

🔹 A couple with two children aged 7 and 13. The family endured searches, threats, and humiliation. They lived in constant fear that the occupiers might take their children. The parents didn’t even allow them to go to school or kindergarten, fearing they might not return. After long months under occupation, they have once again stepped onto free Ukrainian soil.

🔹 A 13-year-old girl who, after her mother’s death, was left in the care of her stepfather, who openly supported the occupiers. Her two older sisters, influenced by propaganda, cut all ties with her upon learning of her desire to return to Ukraine. School life also became a trial: new so-called patriotic lessons with pro-russian rhetoric became part of the curriculum, and some active older students were sent to the Yunarmiia (Youth Army). After six years of separation, the girl, with tears of joy, finally hugged her other sister, who came to take her home.

🔹 A 14-year-old boy and his 10-year-old sister survived the horrors of occupation with their family. Their older brother, a former ATO soldier, became a target for the FSB. The occupiers brutally interrogated him, trying to break him and recruit him. One day, when the russians broke into their home and started beating the brother again, the boy couldn’t stand it anymore: he grabbed a stick and rushed to defend him. This desperate act became a moment of truth for the entire family. Seeing that even a child could resist, they felt they could stand up to evil despite the fear and threats.

We are immensely grateful to our partners, We Are All Ukrainians @weareallukrainians2022, Ron Wahid, the Humanity Charitable Foundation, and all the caring people who help us save children and their families.

Our mission is more than just rescue. It is proof that care and humanity are stronger than any borders. By bringing children home, we restore justice and rebuild the future of a free Ukraine.