Ukraine returns 14 more children from occupied Kherson region
The rescued group includes four boys and ten girls aged 6 to 17.
"They all endured severe ordeals while living under the pressure of the occupation regime," Prokudin wrote.
Specifically, Russian occupiers forced a 16-year-old boy to register for military service. Another rescued youth, a 17-year-old girl, pursued a Ukrainian education despite the risks and Russian surveillance. Rescuers also managed to evacuate a 10-year-old girl who dreamed of reaching safety at home.
The rescue of the families took place under President Volodymyr Zelenskyi's Bring Kids Back UA initiative through collaboration with the Save Ukraine charitable foundation, the Office of the President, and authorized state agencies. Currently, all the children and their relatives remain in safety, receiving necessary assistance.
According to regional military administration data, authorities returned 204 children from temporarily occupied areas of the Kherson region to Ukrainian-controlled territory since the beginning of 2026.
Background
As reported by Rubryka, the state provides comprehensive support to children returning to Ukrainian-controlled territory after deportation, forced displacement, or life under temporary occupation. The government introduced a one-time financial aid grant for every child who returns to controlled territory following deportation, forced transfer, or occupation.
Additionally, the Ukrainian Child Rights Network public union launched a chatbot to collect requests regarding the return of children and youth from occupation and deportation. The tool allows users to submit requests to return a child or young adult up to age 23, report lost contact with family, and access information about available support. All applicant data remains confidential.
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30 of September 2026
