Ukrainian Children Return Home
A total of 31 Ukrainian children have finally been reunited with their loved ones after they were displaced to Russian-controlled territories.
Bogdan’s Long-Awaited Homecoming
13-year-old Bogdan recounted his ordeal, which began as a two-week summer camp but turned into a six-month-long absence. Overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing his mother from the bus, he expressed his immense relief to be home.
A Mother’s Agonizing Wait
Bogdan’s mother, Iryna, aged 51, spoke of the distressing lack of communication during the six months they were separated. She described her constant anxiety and worry for her son’s safety and well-being, revealing the emotional toll the separation took on her.
Anastasiia holds her daughter Valeriia and son Maksym in Kyiv, Ukraine April 8, 2023.
Humanitarian Efforts by Save Ukraine
The organization Save Ukraine facilitated the reunions, having now successfully concluded five operations to bring back children allegedly forcefully deported by Russia.
Children’s Return Journey to Kyiv
These children, accompanied by family and carrying personal belongings, had traversed the border on foot a day prior. They were greeted by volunteers and then transported to the Ukrainian capital.
Founder Shares Emotional Impact
Mykola Kuleba, the founder of Save Ukraine, during a press conference on Saturday, highlighted the profound emotional impact of witnessing the heartfelt reunions. He emphasized the importance of these moments in the midst of the crisis.
Tragic Turn in Rescue Mission
Kuleba disclosed a sorrowful incident during the recent mission: a grandmother, who was set to reunite with two children, passed away during the journey. Consequently, the children were unable to return to Ukraine.
Mission Details: Route and Participants
The mission involved 13 mothers, many legally empowered to retrieve other parents’ children alongside their own. Their route included Poland, Belarus, Russia, and Russian-controlled Crimea. Here, they reunited with 24 children, while the rest were found in Voronezh, Rostov, and Belgorod within Russia.
War Crime Charges over Forced Deportations
The International Criminal Court recently indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior official Maria Lvova-Belova for war crimes, based on allegations of forcibly deporting Ukrainian children to Russia.
Reports of “Political Reeducation” Camps
A February report unveiled claims of a large-scale network of camps where children underwent “political reeducation,” emphasizing Russia-centric curriculum, culture, and in certain instances, military training.
Ukrainian Government’s Stance
Ukraine’s Presidential Office head approximates that a minimum of 20,000 children have been forcefully uprooted from their homes. Thousands of these cases are currently being scrutinized by Kyiv.
Russia’s Defense
In contrast, Russia refutes any wrongdoing, asserting that they are merely safeguarding Ukrainian children.
