Two Ukrainian Teens Rescued From Russian-Controlled Territory Under Bring Kids Back UA

As part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, two more Ukrainian teenagers have been successfully rescued from Russian-controlled territory and returned to safety. This was reported by Daria Zarivna, Communications Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, on April 11.

“Oksana was forcibly taken to Russia with her mother before the full-scale invasion and spent years enduring humiliation and abuse at school because she was Ukrainian,” Zarivna wrote.

“She made several attempts to return on her own—including a four-day journey without food—but couldn’t make it back. Eventually, she reached out to us, and we helped her plan a safe route home and prepare the necessary documents. Today, she’s back in Ukraine and getting ready for university.”

Second child, Andrii, had been living under the constant threat of forced conscription into the Russian army. After several failed solo escape attempts, he reached out to the Ukrainian Child Rights Network on the advice of his sister, who had previously managed to flee occupied territory, according to Zarivna. He is now reunited with his family and safe on Ukrainian-controlled land.

“Ukraine’s leadership extended deep thanks to the Ukrainian Child Rights Network for organizing these life-saving missions and providing crucial post-return support to the teenagers,” the statement concluded.

Earlier, two other Ukrainian children were rescued from temporarily occupied territories as part of Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, as announced Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President.

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