Years of fears of persecution and mobilisation: five young people brought back to Ukraine from Russian-occupied territories

Five young people – four young men and one young woman – have been brought back to Ukraine from Russian-occupied territories.

Source: Bring Kids Back UA, a Ukrainian government-led effort to bring Ukrainian children home from temporarily Russian-occupied territories

Details: Bring Kids Back UA initiative reported that the young people had been unable to leave safely for a long time because of pressure from the Russian-appointed authorities, fear of persecution and the risk of mobilisation.

Among those brought back is 18-year-old Kostia, who had lived in Russian-occupied territories as long as he remembers. Despite studying at a Russian school, he was also receiving distance education at a Ukrainian lyceum and, after finishing school, decided to apply to a Ukrainian university.

His family feared that he might not be allowed to enter Ukraine-controlled territory because he lacked the necessary documents. Preparations for his departure took six months.

Twenty-year-old Viktor was also brought back from temporarily occupied territories. In 2022, as hostilities intensified in his hometown, he was forced to leave for Russia. Viktor wanted to return home but feared persecution because of his pro-Ukrainian stance.

Even using a VPN, it was difficult for him to find verified Ukrainian contacts to seek help. Despite the difficulties, Viktor kept searching and was eventually brought back to Ukraine.

Nineteen-year-old Olena was also able to escape. Her hometown was occupied by the Russians at the very beginning of the full-scale invasion. In 2022, she planned to leave with friends, but her family, out of fear, persuaded her to stay, hoping their settlement would soon be liberated by Ukraine.

Over time, life in Russian-occupied territories became increasingly dangerous, so in late 2025 she began looking for a way to leave on her own.

After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, 20-year-old Hennadii lived in constant fear of being mobilised into the Russian forces. For young men in temporarily occupied territories, any document check or contact with representatives of the Russian-appointed authorities can pose a threat.

He and his mother searched for a safe route to reach Ukraine-controlled territory.

Eighteen-year-old Dmytro began looking for ways to leave as soon as the Russian forces occupied his hometown, but his first independent attempt failed. After that, he was afraid to take the risk again: in Russian-occupied territories, any mistake can carry serious consequences, with document checks, pressure and fear for loved ones forcing people to put off even life-saving decisions.

Eventually, Dmytro realised he could not wait any longer. This time, he managed to reach Ukraine-controlled territory.

Quote from Bring Kids Back UA: "They now face a process of adaptation and reintegration. They will receive the necessary support, help with documents and assistance to restore a stable and safe life."

Background: Ten more Ukrainian children, teenagers and young people have been brought back from temporarily Russian-occupied territories over the past week.

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