Launches Major Program to Rescue Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia

The United States has announced the launch of a new comprehensive program aimed at rescuing Ukrainian children who were illegally deported by Russia during the war. The initiative, funded with $25 million, is set to become the first systemic effort covering all stages of the process — from identifying and locating children to their return and reintegration into Ukrainian society.

This was reported by Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, following her meeting with representatives of the US Department of State. According to her, the program marks a significant step forward in international efforts to protect the rights of Ukrainian children affected by forced deportation.

The initiative will be implemented in coordination with Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA program, which has already achieved tangible results. To date, 2,048 children have been successfully returned to Ukraine. However, thousands remain in Russia or in temporarily occupied territories, cut off from their families and deprived of access to reliable information.

Olena Zelenska emphasized that many of these children are subjected to psychological pressure, intimidation, and propaganda. Therefore, international cooperation — particularly through the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children — remains critically important to accelerate their rescue and ensure justice.

The new US program will include:

• identification and location of abducted children;
• legal and diplomatic support for their return;
• psychological and social rehabilitation;
• assistance to families after reunification.

Experts note that this initiative also plays an important role in holding Russia accountable for war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of children, which is strictly prohibited under international law.

At the same time, Ukraine continues its efforts in other humanitarian areas. Over four years, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War has facilitated the return of 8,669 Ukrainians from Russian captivity.

The launch of this US program underscores that the protection of Ukrainian children remains a priority for the global community — and that efforts to bring them home are ongoing.