Support Ukrainian Kids Rescued from Occupation

Over the past quarter, the Save Ukraine team has continued its mission to rescue, return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate children who have been occupied or deported to Russia. These children have experienced the loss of their homes, systematic pressure, and trauma, but thanks to your support, they are getting a chance to feel safe and loved again.

From May to August 2025, Save Ukraine returned dozens more children from the occupied territories. In total, since the start of the full-scale invasion, we have rescued 775 children, including 157 orphans. All of them, together with their families, receive comprehensive support: safe housing, psychological and medical assistance, education, legal protection and support in recovery. Not a single orphaned child has been placed in a boarding school — we are looking for family care and support for each of them.

One such story is that of 17-year-old Masha from Crimea. Her mother, Irina, recalls how difficult it was to raise a child under occupation. At school, Masha was forced to listen to propaganda lessons and sing the Russian anthem. When she dared to contradict her teacher, she heard terrible threats and suffered severe psychological trauma. The girl often came home in tears, feeling like a stranger in her classroom. At the same time, she cherished her love for Ukraine in her heart, listened to Ukrainian songs at home and dreamed of studying in a free country.

When Masha finished school, she and her mother decided to flee. At one of the borders, they were denied entry because of an expired passport, and the girl almost lost hope. But thanks to the support of Save Ukraine volunteers, they were able to reach Ukrainian territory. ‘When I saw the Ukrainian flag at the border, I knew I was finally home,’ Masha shares.

Today, she is preparing to enrol in a Ukrainian university to study international relations and dreams of defending the rights of people who still live under occupation. Masha says, ‘I went through this myself and know how important it is not to lose hope. We must all remember who we are and preserve the Ukrainian language and culture.’

Thank you for standing with us and our children. Every donation you make saves a childhood and gives another voice the freedom to be heard. Together, we are giving children back their dignity, safety and future.