St George's ribbons, Russian anthem and army draft notices: 13 children and teenagers rescued from occupation

Over the first week of November 2026, 13 children and teenagers have been successfully brought back from the occupation to Ukrainian-controlled territory. Some of them received draft notices for the Russian army, were forced to wear St George's ribbons, and had to sing the Russian anthem every day at school.

Source: Save Ukraine and Bring Kids Back UA organisations

Details: One of the rescued children was 13-year-old Andrii. He was brought back to Ukrainian-controlled territory from a town where Russian drones purposefully hunt civilians.

Andrii was forced to attend a Russian school, otherwise his parents would be deprived of custody. At school, Andrii had to undergo ideological tests and draw Russian soldiers.

Thirteen-year-old Nina was also rescued. Her parents did not want to send their daughter to a Russian school, but they were threatened with reprisal. At school, Nina was forced to wear St George's ribbons and sing the Russian anthem daily.

Among those rescued is 18-year-old Luka. He has serious health problems, yet as soon as he reached adulthood, he immediately received a draft notice. Luka's house was seized by the Russians and he was forced to study at a Russian school due to blackmail.

The children are currently undergoing reintegration, receiving psychological support and being assisted with documents and housing.

Background: In August, 34 Ukrainian children were successfully brought back from the occupation within a single week.

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