**11 Ukrainian Children Rescued from Russian-Controlled Territories**
In a heartwarming and significant development, 11 more Ukrainian children have been successfully returned to their families from Russian-occupied territories. This achievement is part of the national “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Among those rescued was a young girl whose mother and brother were defenders of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, which had been under Russian control for over three years. The family’s reunion was particularly emotional as the mother had spent more than three years unsure if she would ever see her children again. According to Daria Zarivna, an advisor to President Zelensky and head of the project, the mother finally got to hug her little girl after a long time.
Another boy was reunited with his father and brother, both Ukrainian soldiers who had been serving on the front lines. The family’s joy was palpable as they were finally together again. Unfortunately, a teenage boy who had been orphaned after being kidnapped from school, held in a basement, tortured, and nearly conscripted into the Russian army days before his 18th birthday was also among those rescued.
This operation is just the latest in a series of rescue missions under “Bring Kids Back UA,” which aims to coordinate the return of children abducted during Russia’s full-scale invasion. These missions demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of its children, who have been subjected to grave abuse and neglect.
**Background and Context**
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, it has been estimated that over 19,500 Ukrainian children were forcibly deported to Russia, Belarus, or Russian-occupied territories. Unfortunately, only around 1,300 of these children have been returned to Ukrainian-controlled areas.
The abduction and forced deportation of Ukrainian children have drawn international condemnation, with organizations like the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova. The European Parliament has also passed a resolution labeling Russia’s actions as a “genocidal strategy” aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity.
**Kyiv Stands Firm**
Ukraine remains firm in its stance that the safe return of its children is a central precondition for any future peace negotiations with Russia. In fact, US senators have recently introduced a resolution urging that no peace deal be made until all abducted Ukrainian children are returned.
As we celebrate the rescue of these 11 children, it’s essential to remember the ongoing plight of countless others who remain in Russian captivity or deportation. We must continue to advocate for their safe return and hold Russia accountable for its actions.
**Conclusion**
The successful return of 11 more Ukrainian children from Russian-occupied territories is a testament to Ukraine’s determination to protect its citizens, especially its most vulnerable ones – the children. As we move forward in these trying times, let us remain committed to ensuring that all abducted Ukrainian minors are safely returned home.
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