Ukraine Rescues Children From Occupied Territories Facing Russification and Forced Conscription

Several Ukrainian children have been successfully evacuated from temporarily occupied territories as part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, according to a statement by Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President on August 1.

Among those rescued is a 15-year-old girl who faced harassment and violence for wearing a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt to school. Despite pressure from teachers and threats directed at her mother, she continued to express her Ukrainian identity.

Also among the group are a 4-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother, whose family faced threats of losing custody for refusing to send the children to a Russian-run school. In another case, a 17-year-old boy narrowly avoided being drafted into the Russian military, having already received a conscription notice.

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“These are not just isolated stories—they are part of a broader, systematic effort to erase Ukrainian identity in the occupied territories,” Yermak said. “Thanks to the joint work of Save Ukraine and other partners, these children are now safe. We continue working toward the President’s goal: to bring every Ukrainian child home.”

The Bring Kids Back UA initiative has focused on reuniting children with their families and ensuring their protection under Ukrainian and international law.

Previously, it was reported Russia has begun conscripting Ukrainian children—many abducted from occupied territories—into its military once they turn 18, according to Ukrainian officials.

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