Save Ukraine successfully brought back another Ukrainian child from the occupied territory – 14-year-old Anastasia, who has cerebral palsy.

Anastasia, also known as Nastia, lost her mother when she was three. Raised by her grandfather and grandmother, who were a priest and a church member in the local Orthodox Church, Nastia grew up facing the challenges of living in a war-torn environment.

Initially, life in their village during the war seemed calm – the occupation happened swiftly, and military presence was limited. However, after two months, when the occupation authorities took control, the first signs of oppression surfaced. Local collaborators insisted that Nastia attend a Russian school. Still, her grandmother opposed it, as the school was in another village, posing difficulties for a child with her condition. To address this, the occupiers arranged a school bus for the children. Adults were restricted from leaving, and rumors spread that parents would lose rights to their children if they didn’t attend the Russian school.

Despite the challenges, Nastia’s grandparents ensured her safe transportation to school. Thankfully, she wasn’t mistreated there, but weekly discussions on ‘important matters’ and the obligation for children to learn the Russian anthem were imposed. The school had armed security, and Nastia’s grandmother had to frequently show her passport for verification.

Sadly, Nastia’s grandmother passed away in December of last year, leaving her without care. Her aunt, Olena, the late grandmother’s second daughter, living in a neighboring district, decided to take Nastia in. Olena’s husband immediately recognized the challenges her grandfather would face alone with the child and insisted on bringing Nastia to their home.

Ukrainian social services reached out to Olena to assist with paperwork and facilitate communication with the occupied territory. Olena was anxious about the lengthy process, fearing that Russian authorities might demand immediate action. Living in another town, Olena, and her husband managed to endure the occupation by holding onto their land. Due to the impending deadline, they reluctantly obtained Russian documents to avoid potential deportation after December 25. Without Russian passports, Ukrainians in occupied territories are treated as foreigners.

Ukrainian child protection services provided Olena with contacts of Save Ukraine and advised her to leave the occupied territory with the child. Fortunately, they successfully crossed checkpoints without complications. Now they are both in Ukraine and Nastia’s care will be taken over by her biological sister.

P.S. All names in the story have been changed for the safety of the individuals involved.