Stolen Childhoods: Russia’s Abduction of Ukrainian Children

Sixteen-year-old Oleksii’s struggle began when he was reprimanded for using Ukrainian letters in Russian words. His punishment escalated quickly, placing him on a military draft list as his classmates were being forcibly taken to enlistment offices. His best friend and her entire family were deported and banned from ever returning home.

Fourteen-year-old Denys faced three years under Russian occupation, separated from his father, a soldier who had been forced to flee. Interrogated by the FSB and subjected to a Russian curriculum, Denys was forced to attend military drills, where he refused to participate while some of his peers eagerly embraced the training and propaganda.

Fifteen-year-old Vadym’s dreams were shattered as he lost the chance to pursue his passion for sport, only to be further threatened by the FSB with being sent to an orphanage. Despite these harrowing conditions, Vadym continued his education online through a Ukrainian school, knowing that escaping the occupation was his only path to a safe future.

All three minors lived in areas under Russian occupation, and were rescued by teams on behalf of the Save Ukraine organization and carried out as part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative.

Russian officials, meanwhile, have been captured on camera boasting of their “rescue” missions to steal Ukrainian children from occupied territories.

In the shadow of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an alarming and heartbreaking reality is unfolding for Ukrainian children, whose lives have been upended by forced deportations and systemic abuse. In a chilling demonstration of indifference to the gravity of their actions, Russian officials have been captured on camera boasting of their “rescue” missions to steal Ukrainian children from occupied territories.