13 Ukrainian Children Brought Home with the Help of Qatar

The Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets announced the return of 13 children who were separated from their families due to the war, within the framework of the action plan of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA. These children came from the Russia-occupied territories or were taken directly to Russia.

A 15-year-old girl from Mariupol exemplifies the harrowing experiences these children endured. The girl sustained a head injury after a Russian tank attack destroyed her home, forcing her and her mother to seek shelter in a church.

Other children brought back had either lost their parents, or faced other obstacles, trying to reunite with family members who attempted their rescue.

“Once again, I emphasize that Ukraine is ready for the return of everyone and will provide basic humanitarian, medical, psychological, and social assistance. And law enforcement officers will record all crimes committed by Russians that our children have witnessed or become victims of,” Lubinets stated.

According to Lubinets, his office collaborated with other state bodies and the mediation of the State of Qatar to facilitate the return of the children.

As of the end of January 2024, Ukraine managed to return 518 children, including 388 — those deported to Russian territory.

Earlier in May, eleven children from the Kherson Region, including two orphans, who were illegally deported by Russian forces, have been safely evacuated from areas under temporary Russian occupation.

Additionally, an investigation by Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation appeared, disclosing the details of Russia’s forced deportation of Ukrainian children.