The Stolen Childhoods of Ukraine: A Fight to Bring Children Home
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created a hidden crisis: the abduction and captivity of thousands of Ukrainian children. Amidst near-daily russian drone attacks and widespread destruction, reports indicate that over a million Ukrainian children are currently held in Russia or Russian-controlled territories.
Organizations like Save ukraine are working tirelessly to locate and rescue these children, many of whom are at risk of human trafficking and severe abuse. Mykola Kuleba, founder of Save Ukraine, estimates that Ukraine has effectively “lost” nearly four million children since the full-scale invasion in 2022, building on losses from the 2014 conflict which initially impacted over eight million children. A significant portion of these children remain in Russian captivity.
The experiences of those who have been released reveal a disturbing pattern of indoctrination. Danylo “Danik” Yatsentyu, 16, recounts being told by his captors that Ukraine was a dangerous, “Nazi” state that would harm him if he returned. He admits to initially believing this propaganda, fearing for his safety. The manipulation extended to deeply personal attacks, with captors falsely telling danik his mother didn’t want him.
Danik’s mother, Alla, spent months desperately searching for her son, eventually reaching out to Save Ukraine for assistance. After six months, the association successfully reunited them. However, their story is just one of many. Thousands of children remain separated from their families, facing an uncertain future. Alla believes Russia’s intentions are malicious,stating,”From our children,Russia wants to make them their slaves and their soldiers. Russia is not our friend.”
Save Ukraine’s investigations reveal a systematic effort to influence these children. They report that children are often taken to military camps or academies, subjected to abuse, and exposed to pro-Russian propaganda designed to persuade them to remain in Russia. Alarmingly, the organization estimates that one in fifteen children in occupied territories experiences sexual abuse.
The plight of these children has garnered international attention, including from former First Lady Melania trump. She penned a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin requesting his assistance in returning the children, emphasizing that “A child’s soul knows no borders, no flags.” Putin responded by offering a team to collaborate with her representative on the safe return of the children. To date,only eight children have been repatriated through this channel.
Despite the limited progress, Save Ukraine welcomes the increased awareness and support. Kuleba believes Melania Trump’s involvement can be crucial in verifying the identities of the children and facilitating their return, stating, “We believe this, and we really need her…It’s a first step, but I only ask her not stop.”
Save Ukraine remains committed to rescuing every child taken by Russian forces, and appeals to the international community for continued support and prayer for the peace and protection of all Ukrainians, with a particular focus on the urgent need to reunite these children with their families.
