Ukraine Returns Children Deported to Russia From Novopetrivska School

Overview

• Andriy Yermak announced the group’s return, saying Russian forces moved the children in 2022 via left-bank Kherson, occupied Crimea and then by train to Anapa, Russia.
• The returned cohort included orphans and children deprived of parental care, according to the Office of the President.
• Officials credited the Ombudsman’s Office, the Foreign Ministry and international partners for enabling the recovery, with reintegration and schooling in Ukraine to follow.
• On October 30, authorities also extracted a 17-year-old from occupied territory after more than two years of pressure, propaganda and threats over displays of Ukrainian identity.
• The Ukrainian Network for Children’s Rights arranged a safe route for the teen, who traveled alone, reunited with his father in government-controlled territory and is receiving assistance.