Thirteen children have been returned from the occupied Kherson region

Thirteen children have been returned from the temporarily occupied part of the Kherson region to territory controlled by Ukraine. Among them is a 14-year-old boy who was threatened under occupation with being separated from his family if he did not attend a Russian school.

This was reported by Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional State Administration. 

The child was forced to study the Russian version of history and sing the Russian national anthem. He was threatened with being placed under the supervision of social services for any display of pro-Ukrainian sentiment.

In total, seven girls and six boys ranging in age from one year and eight months to 17 years were successfully returned this time.

The children are currently undergoing reintegration at the “Hope and Recovery” Centers. They are receiving psychological support, assistance with paperwork, a safe haven, and the care necessary for their recovery.

Earlier, on June 16, another 13 children were successfully returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory from the temporarily occupied part of the Kherson region. Among them were five girls and eight boys aged 3 to 17, as well as one child deprived of parental care.

The children endured pressure, intimidation, and psychological abuse from the Russians while under occupation. The occupiers threatened some of them with execution while dressed in Ukrainian military uniforms.

Additionally, according to the Kherson Regional State Administration, children with health issues were forced to register for military service, and teenagers were trained for military service: they were taught to dig trenches, shoot, and throw grenades.

Юлія Калабайда