Seven More Ukrainian Children Returned From Occupation With US Support
Humanitarian effort highlights ongoing repatriation of deported minors
Ukraine has successfully returned seven more children from temporarily occupied territories as part of the “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative, Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported on April 4. The effort reflects continued international cooperation (співпраця) in addressing the consequences of the war.
The group includes children aged 13 to 17, among them several orphans who had been held in Russian-controlled social centers or subjected to psychological pressure by occupation authorities. Lubinets expressed gratitude to US First Lady Melania Trump for her humanitarian assistance (допомога) in facilitating their return.
Among the children is a 13-year-old boy from the Kherson region who had been placed in a rehabilitation center after losing both parents. Two brothers, aged 13 and 16, were also repatriated after resisting attempts by occupation officials to prevent them from reuniting with their sister in government-controlled territory. Another 14-year-old boy was reunited with his mother after four years apart, highlighting the emotional reunification (возз’єднання) of families.
The White House confirmed that this group represents the fourth reunification effort supported by Melania Trump. The US First Lady, who has maintained communication with Russian authorities on humanitarian matters, stated that prioritizing the safety and well-being of children above the war remains a key objective (мета).
Ukrainian officials estimate that nearly 20,000 children have been illegally deported or forcibly transferred to Russia or occupied territories since the 2022 invasion. Since then, Ukraine has successfully brought back 2,070 children, demonstrating ongoing national efforts (зусилля) to reverse these actions.
To support these initiatives, the US State Department announced $25 million in new funding on March 27 to assist with the identification, return, and rehabilitation of abducted children. Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska has praised this involvement, emphasizing that every Ukrainian child must return home, reinforcing the broader humanitarian commitment (зобов’язання).
In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, accusing them of unlawful deportation. A UN-mandated inquiry has classified these actions as crimes against humanity, underscoring the legal accountability (відповідальність) tied to these events.
Ukraine has returned seven more children from temporarily occupied territories as part of the “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative.
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