Ukraine brings back 7 children from Russian occupation: some were being targeted for mobilisation into Russian army
Seven more children and teenagers have been brought back to Ukraine from temporarily occupied territories. All of them endured pressure from the Russian authorities, humiliation and attempts to impose a Russian identity on them.
Source: Bring Kids Back UA
Details: Among those rescued is Viktor, 19, who had spent several years living in a frontline area without stable communication and under constant attacks. The final straw came when a Russian shell landed in a neighbouring garden, shattering the windows in his room with shrapnel. The young man now plans to continue his studies at a Ukrainian educational institution.
Dmytro, 18, despite serious health problems, was subjected to attempts by Russian authorities to forcibly conscript him into the Russian army. As he said, one soldier told him directly, "How long are you going to keep studying? Go and fight."
Nika, 6, was forced to march at her nursery under the supervision of armed guards while living under occupation. Her mother wanted to take her daughter away from the influence of Russian propaganda and enrol her in a Ukrainian school.
It was also possible to evacuate 18-year-old brothers Mark and Mykhailo. They risked being forcibly mobilised into the Russian army every day – several of their peers were reportedly taken by the Russian forces directly from their exams.
To avoid this, the brothers went into hiding and secretly studied online at a Ukrainian educational institution. They are now on territory controlled by Ukraine and dream of working in the State Emergency Service in the future to help rescue people.
The children are now safe in territory controlled by Ukraine. In the Nadiia ta Vidnovlennia (Hope and Recovery) centres, they are receiving psychological support, assistance with documents and accommodation.
"However, thousands of Ukrainian children remain in temporarily occupied territories. The occupation authorities are increasing pressure, attempting to forcibly mobilise teenagers and complicating routes for their return," Bring Kids Back UA added.
Background: Earlier, Ukraine brought back two teenage brothers who had been deported by Russian forces from Luhansk Oblast to Russia at the start of the full-scale invasion. One of them was later served a draft notice by Russian authorities.
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