Support Ukrainian Kids Rescued from Occupation

The Save Ukraine team continues its daily efforts to rescue Ukrainian children who remain in temporarily occupied territories or have been illegally deported to Russia. As of April 2026, 133 children and young people (82 children and 51 young adults) have already been rescued this year. Since its inception, Save Ukraine has managed to rescue 1,276 children and young people, 235 of whom are orphans or children deprived of parental care. Behind every number is the story of a child who has endured fear, pressure, and the loss of a safe childhood.
One of those rescued is Maksym (name changed for security reasons)—a 17-year-old boy from the Kherson region. His family, which includes five children, lived under occupation, where the children were forced to attend a Russian school under the threat that their parents would have their parental rights revoked. Maksym was studying online at a Ukrainian school, but the occupying authorities began to pressure the family: they came to the house for inspections, demanded to see the laptop and phone, and threatened deportation. After the boy was handed a draft notice during a house-to-house raid, the family realized it was too dangerous to stay any longer.
Maksym’s mother decided to urgently take her son out of the country to save him from forced conscription. The journey was difficult and fraught with fear—checkpoints, document checks, and the constant risk of being stopped and turned back. Thanks to the help of volunteers and the Save Ukraine team, they managed to reach territory controlled by Ukraine. Today, Maksym is safe and gradually recovering from his ordeal. He dreams of working alongside his brothers and returning to a normal life—and even playing soccer again, which used to be his favorite pastime.
Stories like this are not exceptions but the daily reality of our work. Upon their return, the children receive comprehensive support: safe housing, food, psychological counseling, education, and medical and legal assistance. Thanks to your support, we can not only save children but also help them regain a sense of safety, dignity, and hope for the future. Thank you for standing by us and helping to give children back their childhood.