9390 visitors online
The situation for children in Ukraine's conflict zones is dire, with many young lives affected by war and occupation. The government, led by President Zelenskyy, has implemented the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, successfully rescuing hundreds of children from Russian-occupied areas. However, challenges persist as reports reveal disturbing trends of child abduction and abuse, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention and stronger policies. Efforts are underway to provide psychological support to children impacted by conflict. With ongoing diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid, Ukraine remains committed to protecting its youngest citizens and reuniting families torn apart by war.

What is the Bring Kids Back UA initiative in Ukraine?

The Bring Kids Back UA initiative is a program by the Ukrainian government aimed at rescuing and returning children who have been displaced or abducted during the conflict with occupying forces. It focuses on reuniting families and providing necessary support for the children, including medical and psychological care.

How are Ukrainian children affected by the conflict?

Ukrainian children in conflict zones face numerous challenges, including abduction, exposure to violence, and lack of access to education. Many have experienced psychological trauma, with about 44% showing signs of PTSD. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues through humanitarian aid and specialized support systems.

What are the main threats to children in occupied Ukrainian territories?

In occupied Ukrainian territories, children face dangers such as forced assimilation, abduction, and even exposure to psychotropic drugs for non-compliance. These threats are compounded by the lack of educational opportunities and the constant risk of violence and exploitation by occupying forces.

What international actions are being taken to help Ukrainian children?

International actions include diplomatic efforts, financial aid, and sanctions against those responsible for crimes against Ukrainian children. Countries like Qatar have assisted in returning abducted children. Diplomatic discussions, such as those involving the OSCE, aim to facilitate the safe return and protection of these vulnerable children.

How is the Ukrainian government addressing child protection amid the war?

The Ukrainian government is actively working to protect children through initiatives like Bring Kids Back UA, strengthening legal frameworks for child protection, and engaging with international partners for comprehensive support. These efforts include psychological aid, family reunification, and ensuring safety and security for all affected children.

show details

News children

abduction of Ukrainian children Russian Ombudsman Lvova-Belova publicly admitted that she had kidnapped and "re-educated" Ukrainian child from Mariupol. VIDEO Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova, who is wanted by a court in The Hague for illegal deportation of children, gave an interview in which she described how she had actually kidnapped and adopted a Ukrainian child from Mariupol after the city had been captured by the Russian army. 4 114 29 Previously in trend: Abduction of children by Russia

Wisconsin, children Wisconsin was first state in US to condemn Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children. PHOTOS A resolution condemning Russia's abduction and forced deportation of Ukrainian children has been submitted to the Wisconsin Legislature, the state's main legislative body, for the first time. 1 276 5 Previously in trend: Abduction of children by Russia Russian deportation of Ukrainian children

Return from occupation Eight Ukrainian children and teenagers brought back from Russian-occupied territories Eight more Ukrainian children and teenagers have been evacuated from occupied territories to areas under Ukrainian control as part of President Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 276 0 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

infant hospital attack on Kyiv Man who suffered 85% burns during attack on Kyiv and lost his wife saw his prematurely born son for first time. VIDEO The father of little Nazarchyk, who suffered 85% of his body burns during the Russian attack on Kyiv, saw his son for the first time in a hospital in the capital. 5 503 7 Previously in trend: Children are victims of war

Woman beats child in Kharkiv, boy dies in hospital Woman beats 3-year-old stepson to death: she is being held in custody without bail. PHOTO A 40-year-old woman in Kharkiv beat her 3-year-old stepson, who later died. 4 659 9 Previously in trend: Murder of children

20-year-old Ukrainian rescued from occupied Crimea Ukraine brings back 20-year-old youth from occupied Crimea Another young Ukrainian has managed to escape occupation under President Zelensky’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. He is 20 years old. 840 10 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation Return from occupation

Ruslan Kravchenko is the new Prosecutor General of Ukraine Kravchenko on grave crimes against children: Sentence should be as fair as possible - "no alternative to life imprisonment" Attorney General Ruslan Kravchenko appealed to the parliamentary committee on law enforcement with a proposal to strengthen criminal liability for particularly serious crimes against children. 980 7 Previously in trend: Murder of children

children Russia forcibly gives children psychotropic drugs for disobedience in occupied territories, - Herasymchuk Ukrainian children in temporarily occupied territories are unable to study under the Ukrainian curriculum, as they or their parents may be punished for doing so. In some cases, Russian occupiers isolate children and forcibly give them psychotropic drugs for disobedience. 1 268 1 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas

A man was arrested in Poland for distributing pornography involving children and animals Sent pornography to 11-year-old girls from Ukraine: 57-year-old man detained in Poland. PHOTOS On 8 October, law enforcement officers in Poland detained a 57-year-old man suspected of distributing pornography involving children and animals. 3 053 10 Previously in trend: Distribution of pornography

23 Ukrainian children rescued from Russian-occupied territories – Yermak 23 Ukrainian children and teenagers brought home from Russian-occupied territories As part of President Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, 23 Ukrainian children and teenagers have been rescued from Russian-occupied territories. They are now safe and receiving medical, psychological, and humanitarian assistance. 326 3 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Two families with children returned from occupation Two Ukrainian families with children returned from Russian-occupied territories. PHOTO Two Ukrainian families with children have been brought back from the temporarily occupied territories as part of the President's Bring Kids Back UA initiative. One of the families had lived in the occupation for more than four years. 961 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation Return from occupation

Russians take children to Russia on cultural tours Russians took almost 600 children from occupied territory of Donetsk region on "cultural tours" in Russian Federation - CCD In September, the Russians took almost 600 children from the temporarily occupied territory of the Donetsk region on "cultural tours" to Russia. 341 2 Previously in trend: Russian propaganda Russia’s impact on children under occupation

As a result of Russian aggression, 575 children were killed and another 1,609 were wounded 4-year-old girl injured in village near Krasnopillia in serious condition with burns. She will be transported to Okhmatdyt A 4-year-old girl wounded as a result of a Russian strike on the village of Krasnopillia community in Sumy region is in serious condition. 1 166 1 Previously in trend: Children are victims of war

Zelensky called on the OSCE to create the position of special envoy for the return of Ukrainian children Zelenskyy calls on OSCE to appoint special envoy for return of Ukrainian children. VIDEO During a meeting with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Juan Ponce Sampietro, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the creation of a special envoy to deal with the return of deported Ukrainian children. 382 6 Previously in trend: Deportation of children Abduction of children by Russia Russia’s Crimes Against Children in Ukraine International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children

Another 22 children and teenagers have been returned from the occupied territories Another 22 Ukrainian children and teenagers returned from Russian-occupied territories. PHOTO A further 22 Ukrainian children and teenagers have been rescued from territories temporarily occupied by Russia under the President’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 670 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation Return from occupation

In Dnipropetrovsk region, a couple will be tried for the death of their 4-year-old son They have been beating their 4-year-old son to death over four days: couple will be tried in Dnipropetrovsk region, - prosecutor’s office. PHOTOS A couple who systematically have been abusing their 4-year-old son over four days will be tried in the Dnipropetrovsk region. 9 604 34 Previously in trend: Child abuse

rape Stepfather had been raping his stepdaughter for 3 years: 45-year-old man detained in Kyiv region, - prosecutor’s office In the Kyiv region, law enforcement officers detained a 45-year-old man suspected of repeatedly raping his underage stepdaughter. 4 717 31 Previously in trend: Rape of children

Another 16 young people returned from the occupation Another 16 young people returned from Russian-occupied territory Another 16 young people were rescued from the territory temporarily occupied by Russia as part of the Ukrainian President's Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 538 8 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

A family with two children was killed in Chernechchyna as a result of a drone strike Aliona and Oleksandr Lesnichenko and their sons Denys and Yehor were killed as result of Russian Federation’s strike on Chernechchyna. Woman was pregnant with twins. PHOTO Last night, as a result of an enemy drone strike on the family's home in the village of Chernechchyna in Sumy region, the whole family tragically died: the spouses, Aliona and Oleksandr Lesnichenko, as well as their two children, Denys and Yehor Lesnichenko. 12 362 33 Previously in trend: UAVs attack on the Sumy region

Olena Zelenska met with US First Lady Melania Trump First Lady Zelenska and Melania Trump discussed protection of Ukrainian children. PHOTO First Ladies of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and US First Lady Melania Trump held a bilateral meeting, during which they discussed, among other things, the protection of Ukrainian children and their childhood. 7 453 64 Previously in trend: Olena Zelenska and Melania Trump meeting

Olena Zelenska 1,625 children abducted by Russia have been returned to Ukraine – Zelenska First Lady Olena Zelenska said that 1,625 children abducted by Russia have been returned to Ukraine, but at the current pace it would take 50 years to bring them all back. 832 14 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Return of children from occupation Three Ukrainian teenagers brought back from Russian-occupied territories. PHOTO Three more Ukrainian teenagers have been rescued from temporarily occupied territories under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 714 4 Previously in trend: Return from occupation

Zelenskyy invited Qatar to join the summit on the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia Zelenskyy invites Qatar to join summit on return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. 500 7 Previously in trend: Abduction of children by Russia

A 10-year-old boy has been taking care of his two brothers with disabilities for over a year 10-year-old boy has been taking care of his two brothers with serious genetic disease in Donetsk region on his own for over year, - prosecutor’s office A 10-year-old boy in Donetsk region has been taking care of his two 13-year-old brothers who are bedridden for over a year. 6 237 42

children Another group of children returned from occupied territories of Kherson region – RMA Another group of children from the temporarily occupied Kherson region has returned to Ukraine-controlled territory. 483 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Evacuation of children 1,603 children remain in forced evacuation zone in Donetsk region – RMA As of now, 1,264 families with 1,603 children remain in settlements of Donetsk region where forced evacuation of families with children is underway. 248 2 Previously in trend: Evacuation from Donetsk region

16 children were returned from the occupation 16 children returned from Russian occupation: relatives of one of girls were sentenced to many years in penal colony Another 16 Ukrainian children were returned from the occupation to the territory controlled by Ukraine. 572 0 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation Return from occupation

Schoolchildren in Lithuania are taught to fly drones near the border with Russia Lithuania teaches children to fly drones near border with Russia. PHOTOS The Lithuanian Ministry of Defence has opened the first of nine schools on the border with Russia, where children as young as 10 and adults will be taught to fly, assemble and program drones. 1 330 79 Previously in trend: Children are taught to operate drones

Consequences of the attack on Zaporizhzhia Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia: injured children in intensive care in serious condition Children who were injured as a result of a night-time enemy attack on Zaporizhzhia are currently in intensive care. Their condition is serious but stable. 1 179 3

16 children returned from Russian-occupied territories Ukraine brings back 16 more children from occupation Ukraine has managed to bring back another 16 children from Russian-occupied territories. This was carried out under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative.  371 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

In Kopystyryn, they bid farewell to the schoolchildren Schoolchildren Vladyslav Bevz and Mykola Bilyk, killed on their way to school, being farewelled in Vinnytsia region. PHOTOS In the village of Kopystyryn, Sharhorod community, Vinnytsia region, people are bidding farewell to schoolchildren Vladyslav Bevz and Mykola Bilyk, who died on 10 September on their way to school. 12 946 129 Previously in trend: Murder of schoolchildren in Sharhorod

The US Senate wants to recognise Russia and Belarus as sponsors of terrorism US senators are preparing a bill to recognise Russia and Belarus as sponsors of terrorism The US Senate is preparing a bill that would declare Russia and Belarus sponsors of terrorism for the abduction of Ukrainian children. 5 610 70 Previously in trend: Abduction of children by Russia

Ukraine brought 449 children home thanks to the Bring Kids Back UA initiative Million and half Ukrainian children under Russian control More than 1.5 million Ukrainian children are under Russian control, and the state must have information about each of them. 1 232 11 Previously in trend: Russian deportation of Ukrainian children

Zelenskyy holds talks with von der Leyen. Zelenskyy and von der Leyen discuss tougher sanctions on Russia and support for Ukrainian children President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 347 5 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia Zelenskyy’s conversation with von der Leyen

children, return 14-year-old girl brought back from TOT after more than three years under occupation. PHOTO As part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, a 14-year-old girl who had been separated from her mother for more than three and a half years has been returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory. 1 800 6 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Injured girl in Kupiansk 6-year-old girl wounded in Kupiansk is in serious condition; it is being investigated why she was not evacuated. PHOTO The day before, Russian troops attacked Kupiansk, wounding a 6-year-old child, who is currently in serious condition. 1 910 4

Kyiv after the shelling Pregnant woman injured in Russian strike on Kyiv, emergency delivery performed. Baby is in intensive care and mother is in extremely serious condition A pregnant woman was injured in a Russian strike on the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv, and doctors decided to induce an emergency labour and are fighting for the life of the mother and the premature baby. 2 583 13 Previously in trend: UAV attack on Kyiv

17-year-old teenager brought back from Russian-occupied territory Kept under constant watch by Russian troops: 17-year-old brought back from Russian-occupied territory Another 17-year-old teenager has been evacuated from Russian-occupied territory under President Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative. 625 1 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation Return from occupation

Abduction of Ukrainian children. Britain imposes sanctions against Russia Britain imposes sanctions against Russians involved in deportation of Ukrainian children: Kadyrov’s mother among them The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on individuals who forcibly deport, indoctrinate, and militarize Ukrainian children. Among them are eight individuals and three organizations associated with the Russian state. 752 6 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia Abduction of children by Russia

A group of children from the occupied territories and Russia has been returned to Ukraine Group of children who were held in occupied territories and in Russia have been returned to Ukraine. PHOTOS Children aged 3 months to 18 years who were in the temporarily occupied territories and Russia have been returned to Ukraine. 1 296 3 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Ukrainian girl killed in Germany 16-year-old refugee from Ukraine died in Germany; girl probably pushed under train A 16-year-old Ukrainian girl died tragically in Germany, probably after being pushed under a train. In 2022, she left occupied Mariupol with her family and found refuge in Thuringia. 10 721 42 Previously in trend: refugees in Germany

children Two groups of Ukrainian children returned from temporarily occupied territories. PHOTO As part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, two groups of children and young people have been returned from temporarily occupied territories. 924 2 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Donetsk region 545 children evacuated from Donetsk region in week, nearly 2,000 remain Over the past week, 545 children have been evacuated from settlements in Donetsk region where mandatory evacuation has been declared. 189 0 Previously in trend: Evacuation from Donetsk region

Qatar has already helped return 83 children 83 Ukrainian children have been returned from occupation and Russia thanks to Qatar’s assistance, - Lubinets. PHOTOS With the assistance of the State of Qatar, Ukraine managed to return 83 children from the temporarily occupied territories and Russia. 1 573 5 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Return of children from occupation Three Ukrainian children and young man were returned from Russian Federation. PHOTO Three more children and a young man have been returned to Ukraine as part of the initiative of the President of Ukraine, Bring Kids Back UA. 1 101 9 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation

Drone with explosives Occupiers attacked 15-year-old boy with drone in Novoraisk, Kherson region Today, August 23, Russian troops dropped explosives on a 15-year-old boy in Novoraysk, Kherson region. 1 449 4 Previously in trend: Shelling of the Kherson region

children of war 44% of Ukrainian children show signs of potential PTSD - First Lady Zelenska. VIDEO 44% of Ukrainian children show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the full-scale war unleashed by Russia. 2 272 43 Previously in trend: Children are victims of war

12 children returned from Russian occupation Another 12 children were returned from occupied territories: Some of them witnessed torture of relatives Another 12 Ukrainian children have been returned from territories temporarily occupied by Russia. 659 2 Previously in trend: Returning children from occupation Return from occupation