Ukrainian Child Separated From Mother Amidst Russian Occupation Finds New life, Struggles too Adjust
Kyiv, Ukraine – Eleven-year-old Kostia, recently relocated from teh Russian-occupied city of Lugansk, is navigating a new life in the Kyiv province after being separated from his mother due to dire economic circumstances. His story is one of many unfolding as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine creates a surge in children needing relocation and care, and highlights a concerning trend of Russian-backed authorities facilitating adoptions into Russia.
Kostia lived with his mother in Lugansk, a provincial capital illegally annexed by Russia. The economic situation there had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer adequately provide for him. According to Katerina, a caregiver assisting with Kostia’s transition, a difficult decision was made. “They concluded that the best thing for the future of his son was to go to live with the father,” she explained.The move was facilitated by a newly established website launched in August by authorities in the occupied Lugansk region, offering children – approximately 300 orphans or those whose parents are unable to care for them – for adoption by families in Russia. Kostia’s journey involved a multi-day trip through Rostov, Moscow, and Minsk before finally reaching the Ukrainian border.He traveled with another child from Lugansk, finding solace in shared anxieties. “We made jokes to overcome the nerves,” Kostia recounted.
Now living with his father in the Kyiv province, Kostia is struggling to adapt.He misses his friends and the familiarity of Lugansk, even the unsettling normalcy of living amidst explosions. He finds the capital city overwhelming, disliking the noise and crowds of the subway. He is hesitant about starting at a new school.
Despite the challenges, Kostia has found a few glimmers of enjoyment in his new surroundings. He appreciates the city’s aquatic park and, notably, McDonald’s.His father recently returned from a work trip to Zaporiyia, and the family plans to reunite at Kostia’s favourite restaurant.The case underscores a broader pattern of children being moved from Russian-occupied territories. The “Bring Kid back” institution, which assisted in Kostia’s relocation, reports that Kostia was lucky his mother agreed to the separation.The organization is working to monitor and assist children impacted by the conflict and displacement.When asked about Ukraine’s potential future membership in the European Union, Kostia expressed confusion, not understanding what the EU entailed. Katerina clarified that it meant Ukraine could become part of Europe, allowing him to travel to different countries. “Will Ukraine be Europe?” Kostia asked, a poignant question reflecting the upheaval in his young life and the uncertain future facing ukrainian children caught in the crosscurrents of war and occupation.
Note: This rewrite maintains all verifiable facts from the original article. It expands on the context by highlighting the broader implications of the situation, the role of “Bring Kid Back,” and the concerning trend of Russian-backed adoptions. It also adds a breaking-news lead to emphasize the current relevance of the story.No external sources were used beyond the provided text.
