In 2025, Ukraine has intensified its efforts to bring back citizens from Russian-occupied territories. President Zelenskyy's Bring Kids Back UA initiative has been pivotal in repatriating Ukrainian children, with notable cases including a 17-year-old recently returned and other children who witnessed family torture. Significant operations, often involving Ukraine’s Ombudsman, government agencies, and international partners, have led to the successful retrieval of numerous individuals, from children to the elderly. These actions underscore Ukraine’s commitment to reclaiming its citizens and exemplify the risks faced by those under occupation, including a 22-year-old held and tortured in Kherson.
What is the Bring Kids Back UA initiative in Ukraine?
The Bring Kids Back UA initiative, led by President Zelenskyy, is a concerted effort to repatriate Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territories. This program aims to safeguard children who have been displaced due to occupation, ensuring their safe return home. Noteworthy successes have included rescuing teenagers from enforced detention and attempting to send them to schools in Russia.
Who has been involved in the return from occupation efforts?
The return from occupation has involved collaboration between Ukraine’s Ombudsman, government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and international partners. This united front has been crucial in successfully retrieving Ukrainian citizens, including children and adults, from both temporarily occupied territories and Russia, highlighting significant coordination and effort.
How many people have been returned from Russian-occupied territories?
Significant numbers of Ukrainian citizens have been returned from Russian-occupied territories. Recently, a group of 45 individuals, ranging from children to a 93-year-old, were successfully repatriated. These figures illuminate the broad demographic impacted by occupation and underline Ukraine's success in reclamation efforts.
What challenges have been faced by those under occupation?
Individuals in Russian-occupied territories often face severe challenges including surveillance, forced relocation, and torture. An example includes a 22-year-old man who was tortured and surveilled in Kherson during two years of occupation. These testimonies highlight the grim conditions and human rights violations experienced by those under occupation, increasing the urgency of evacuation efforts.
What international roles are played in the return efforts?
International partners have been instrumental in the return from occupation, offering both logistical and diplomatic support. Global humanitarian organizations collaborate with Ukrainian authorities to provide the necessary resources and advocacy to facilitate these complex operations, demonstrating the international community's role in addressing humanitarian crises stemming from occupation.
