Story perspectives

Ukraine's Initiative Rescues 14-Year-Old from Russian Control

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ukraine's "Bring Kids Back UA" initiative, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, successfully returned a 14-year-old girl from Russian-occupied territory after over three years apart from her mother.
The girl faced coercion to praise Russia in school and threats of orphanage placement.
Andriy Yermak, head of the President’s Office, confirmed the return of a 20-year-old boy who experienced similar threats.
As of September 2025, Ukraine has returned 1,600 children, with around 1.6 million still under Russian control.
The initiative, supported by the Ukrainian Child Rights Network, aims to rescue more children from occupied areas.

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Story summary

Ukraine's "Bring Kids Back UA" initiative, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, successfully returned a 14-year-old girl from Russian-occupied territory after over three years apart from her mother.
The girl faced coercion to praise Russia in school and threats of orphanage placement.
Andriy Yermak, head of the President’s Office, confirmed the return of a 20-year-old boy who experienced similar threats.
As of September 2025, Ukraine has returned 1,600 children, with around 1.6 million still under Russian control.
The initiative, supported by the Ukrainian Child Rights Network, aims to rescue more children from occupied areas.