Teen Held in Russian-Occupied Zone for Years Safely Returns to Ukraine

A Ukrainian teenager who spent most of his life in Russian-occupied territory under constant surveillance by military personnel has been successfully returned to government-controlled Ukraine, according to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Yermak. His statement was published on August 14.

Yermak said the boy lived in conditions where any careless word or action could have resulted in serious consequences for him or his mother. The pressure was heightened because his father and brother remained in Ukrainian-controlled territory, a fact he was forbidden to mention.

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Despite the risks, the teenager found the courage to seek help. He is now reunited with his family in free Ukraine and is receiving assistance to recover and start a new chapter of life.

The operation was carried out under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, which helps children at risk in occupied areas and coordinates the return of those illegally taken.

According to official figures, more than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been deported by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Over 1,000 have so far been brought back.

In April 2025, Ukraine’s parliament approved legislation introducing criminal liability for the illegal transfer or use of Ukrainian children by foreign states, including for military purposes.

Earlier, it was reported that a new group of Ukrainian children had been freed from Russian occupation, according to the Office of the President of Ukraine.

The statement did not specify the number of children or the locations from which they were returned but noted that the operation was carried out under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative.

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