12 Ukrainian Children Return Home After Facing Forced Russification and Conscription Risks

Twelve more Ukrainian children have been returned home from Russian-occupied territories as part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s "Bring Kids Back UA" initiative. These children endured significant challenges while under occupation but are now reunited with their families, according to Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine on February 3.

Among those rescued is a 16-year-old girl who tragically lost her mother due to inadequate medical care in the occupied region. Another case involves a 17-year-old boy who was at risk of being forcibly conscripted into the Russian army.

Several other children had been sent to so-called "re-education camps," where efforts were made to erase their Ukrainian identity. Additionally, an 8-year-old girl was rescued after her father faced pressure to accept Russian citizenship under the threat of losing custody of his child.

"Every rescued child is a victory. And we continue to fulfill the President’s task — to bring all children home to Ukraine," said Yermak.

Previously, it was reported that five more Ukrainian children have been returned from Russian-occupied territories.