Ukraine says it has brought back 12 children taken by Russia

Ukraine brings back 12 children taken by Russia, sparking comments from Russian commissioner's press office.

“Ukraine has brought home 12 children who were forcefully taken by Russia,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff said.

“As part of the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA, it was possible to return home 12 children who were under the pressure of the Russian occupation,” Andriy Yermak wrote on his Telegram messaging app late on Monday (February 3, 2025).

The Bring Kids Back UA programme under Mr. Zelenskyy says it is an initiative to return home all children forcefully deported from Ukraine.

“Among those returned was a 16-year-old who lost her mother, a 17-year-old called up by the Russian army and an eight-year-old girl,” Mr. Yermak said.

The press office of Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, said it had no information about the 12 children.

It told Reuters by email that the commissioner’s office took part in family reunifications with Ukraine with the involvement of international mediators when “additional efforts are required to facilitate movement and resolve legal issues.”

“Other cases may occur within the framework of the current legislative field and logistical capabilities without the involvement of government agencies,” it said.