Persecution for using Ukrainian words and call-up notices for young men: 19 children and teenagers returned from Russian-occupied territory

A total of 19 children and teenagers were brought back from the occupied territories to Ukrainian-controlled territory last week.

Source: Bring Kids Back UA initiative

Details: These young people had endured pressure and intimidation. Among those rescued is 11-year-old Emiliia, who was forced to participate in military events at school. Refusal would have meant pressure and bullying from teachers. Constant fear led to serious health problems for the girl.

Sofiia, 19, was persecuted by a Russian serviceman simply for saying "thank you" in Ukrainian. At college, she was also punished for her pro-Ukrainian stance.

Seventeen-year-old Matvii was deceived into being taken to a so-called "camp", where he was forced to sing the Russian national anthem under threat of isolation. When the boy returned home, he had to hide from patrols searching for young men to serve with call-up notices.

All the children and teenagers who have been rescued are in special centres where they are receiving psychological support and assistance with paperwork.

The initiative noted that the occupation authorities are currently stepping up pressure, attempting to forcibly conscript teenagers and making return routes more difficult. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children remain on these territories.

Background: In early April, two Ukrainian teenagers – a young man and a young woman – were brought back from temporarily occupied territory. Neither of them saw any future for themselves under occupation.

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