Bringing Hope and Healing to War-Affected Orphans

The Save Ukraine team continues to rescue children from the temporarily occupied territories and Russia, particularly those without parental care. As of May 2026, our team has rescued 1,299 children and young people since the start of the full-scale invasion, including 240 orphans. During the first months of 2026, another 158 children and young people were rescued. Upon their return, each child receives comprehensive support at the Hope and Healing Center: a safe place to live, psychological assistance, medical care, education, and support in restoring documents and rebuilding their future.

One such child is 17-year-old Maksym (name changed for security reasons), who survived years of life under occupation. The most painful event for him was the death of his older brother during the shelling of the occupied city. After this loss, the boy almost stopped leaving the house and lived in constant fear. Neighbors collaborated with the occupying authorities and reported on pro-Ukrainian families. Maksym avoided any contact with the outside world, and the Ukrainian language and symbols aroused suspicion among the military and representatives of the occupying administration.

In 2025, the pressure on the family intensified. The occupying authorities demanded that Maksym study under the Russian curriculum and remain under the control of the local education system. The boy also knew that teenagers were being forced to register for military service and were being prepared for service in the Russian army. The family understood: staying was becoming increasingly dangerous. Thanks to the work of the Save Ukraine team, Maksym managed to leave for territory controlled by Ukraine. Today, he is finishing 11th grade, receiving psychological support, and planning to apply to university. He recently joined a career guidance program in Lviv, where he is exploring future professions and gradually regaining faith in his own future.

We are sincerely grateful to everyone who supports our work. It is thanks to your donations that children who have survived the occupation, the loss of loved ones, and years of fear are given a chance at a safe life, education, and a future. Together, we are helping them regain their childhood, dignity, and hope.