Ukraine brings 13 more children and teenagers home from Russian occupation
Thirteen Ukrainian children and teenagers have been brought out of Russian-occupied territory through the Bring Kids Back UA initiative after facing threats, pressure to attend Russian-run schools and, in one case, the prospect of military conscription.
The initiative announced the rescues on November 6, saying the group had been evacuated over the previous week and was now receiving support to rebuild their lives in Ukrainian-controlled territory.
Among those rescued was 18-year-old Luka, whose home had been seized by Russian troops. According to Bring Kids Back UA, he was forced to attend a school under Russian occupation authorities, where teenagers were openly recruited into the Russian military.
After turning 18, Luka received a military summons despite having serious health problems, the initiative said.
Another rescued child, 13-year-old Andrii, was forced to attend a Russian-run school after his family was threatened with the loss of parental rights. There, he was subjected to Russian propaganda, including assignments to draw Russian soldiers and complete ideological tests.
Bring Kids Back UA said Andrii also lived in fear of Russian combat drones that deliberately targeted civilians in his city.
The family of 13-year-old Nina faced threats after refusing to enroll her in a school where children were required to sing the Russian national anthem and wear St. George ribbons, a symbol widely associated with Russian military and nationalist imagery.
The initiative said all 13 rescued children and teenagers are now receiving psychological assistance, help with identity documents and safe accommodation through reintegration centers.
Russia has imposed its education system and state-sponsored patriotic programs in occupied Ukrainian territories, while Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly warned about efforts to recruit young people into the Russian military.
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