Three Children and Their Mother Safely Returned to Ukraine From Russian Occupation

After almost a year in occupation, 3 Ukrainian children and their mother were finally brought home on the Ukrainian government-controlled territory, reported Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lybinets on October 1.

The minors were successfully returned as part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative.

While they were in the temporarily occupied territories, the family faced dangerous conditions: mother was threatened to take her children away, and kids were forced to follow Russian educational standards. They spent nearly a year living under occupation in Donetsk region.

Following an appeal from the family’s relatives to the Ombudsman’s Office, preparations for their return began immediately. Despite the challenges and risks, a safe route was organized for the family, thanks to coordinated efforts with partners, including Caritas Ukraine and Rokada charity funds. The family’s needs have also been met upon their arrival in Ukraine-controlled territory.

Earlier, Ukraine repatriated 14 children and their families from Russia occupied regions.

Russia has abducted approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukraine is actively working on returing them home and providing with any help they need.