**Ukraine Rescues Nine More Children from Russian-Occupied Territories**
In a major breakthrough, Ukraine has successfully brought nine more children from Russian-occupied territories to Ukrainian-controlled areas. This development was announced by Andriy Yermak, the chief of Presidential Office, on May 22.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, over 19,500 children have been forcibly deported to Russia, Belarus, or occupied territories. Despite this, only around 1,300 children have been safely brought back to Ukrainian government-controlled territory. The rescued children include a girl who required urgent medical care, and a boy whose family was subjected to torture by Russian forces.
**Horrific Stories of Survival**
Yermak highlighted the harrowing experiences of these children, stating that they “lived through horrors.” He emphasized that Ukraine is committed to fulfilling President Volodymyr Zelensky’s task of bringing all children back home. The rescue mission was conducted as part of the “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative, a national effort spearheaded by President Zelensky to return deported children to their families and communities.
**Forced Indoctrination in Russia**
It is worth noting that Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territories are often placed in families or camps where they are subjected to intense anti-Ukrainian propaganda, and at times, military training. Kyiv has repeatedly stated that returning all these children is a key condition for any future peace agreement with Russia.
**International Community Takes Notice**
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken up the matter, issuing arrest warrants in March 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova over their involvement in abductions. The European Parliament also passed a resolution on May 8 condemning Russia’s forcible deportation and Russification of Ukrainian children, calling it a “genocidal strategy” aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity.
**A Long Road to Repatriation**
While this rescue mission is a significant step forward, it remains a long and difficult journey for many Ukrainian families who have had their loved ones taken away. As the international community continues to pressure Russia to return these children, Ukraine’s determination to reunite its people remains unwavering.
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