Ukraine Lost 50 Percent of Its ChildrenS Population: A Fight to Bring Captives Home
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created a devastating humanitarian crisis, extending beyond the daily threat of Russian drone attacks to include the abduction and captivity of thousands of Ukrainian children.Organizations like save Ukraine are working tirelessly to locate and rescue these children, many of whom have been subjected to harrowing experiences and purposeful indoctrination.
Mykola Kuleba, founder of Save Ukraine, states his institution is dedicated to rescuing Ukrainian children who may have been victims of human trafficking consequently of the conflict. The scale of the issue is immense; estimates suggest Ukraine has effectively lost 50 percent of its children’s population – either through displacement,illegal deportation to Russia,or captivity.
Sixteen-year-old Danylo “Danik” Yatsentyu experienced this firsthand. Three years ago, he and friends were captured by Russian forces while at a youth recreation camp. Danik recounts being subjected to anti-Ukrainian propaganda, including false claims that Ukrainians were “Nazis” who would harm them upon their return.”I believed that propaganda because everybody kept saying that it’s risky to come back to Ukraine,” he told CBN News. The Russians also cruelly told him his mother didn’t want him.
Meanwhile, Danik’s mother, Alla, desperately searched for her son, reaching out to Save Ukraine for assistance. After six months of relentless effort, the organization successfully reunited mother and son.However, their story represents only a fraction of the thousands still separated from their families. Alla firmly believes Russia’s intentions are malicious. “From our children, Russia wants to make them their slaves and their soldiers. Russia is not our friend,” she stated.
Save Ukraine reports that children taken into Russian-controlled territories are frequently exposed to intensive propaganda aimed at altering their identities and discouraging their return to Ukraine. The organization operates as a clandestine network, rescuing children from military camps, academies, and situations of abuse. their research indicates a disturbing reality: approximately one in fifteen children in occupied territory experiences sexual abuse.
The plight of these children has garnered international attention, including from former First Lady Melania Trump, who penned a letter to Russian President Vladimir putin requesting his assistance in securing the children’s return. She emphasized the universal rights of children, stating, “A child’s soul knows no borders, no flags…We must foster a future…rich wiht potential, security and complete with free will.”
Putin responded by assigning a team to collaborate with Mrs. Trump’s representative to facilitate the safe return of Ukrainian children. To date, only eight children have been repatriated through this channel. Despite the limited progress, Save Ukraine welcomes the First Lady’s advocacy.
“she can definitely help to verify the kids and bring them home,” Kuleba explained. “We believe this, and we really need her…It’s a first step, but I only ask her not stop.”
the future remains uncertain for the Ukrainian children still held in Russian captivity. Save Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to rescuing every child taken by Russian forces, and appeals for continued international support and prayer for the peace and protection of all Ukrainians, especially the children who desperately need to return home to their families.
