Thirteen minors return from Russian-occupied areas with draft orders and forced schooling records

Thirteen children and teenagers arrived in Ukrainian-controlled territory during the first week of November 2026. The Save Ukraine and Bring Kids Back UA organizations confirmed the group includes individuals who received Russian army draft notices and were subjected to daily ideological requirements at school.

The rescue effort follows a previous surge in returns. In August of this year, 34 Ukrainian children were brought back from occupied regions within a single week. The current group includes Andrii, who is 13 years old. He was evacuated from a town where Russian drones target civilian areas.

Andrii’s parents faced a loss of custody if he did not attend a Russian institution. While enrolled, he completed ideological tests and drew images of Russian soldiers. Nina, also 13, experienced similar pressure. Her parents resisted sending her to a Russian school but were threatened with reprisals. Nina was required to wear St George’s ribbons and sing the Russian anthem every day.

The oldest member of the group is Luka, an 18-year-old with serious health problems. Upon reaching adulthood, he received a draft notice immediately. Russian forces seized his house, and blackmail forced him to study at a Russian school. The three named students represent specific cases within the larger group of 13.

The rescued minors are currently in the reintegration process. They are receiving psychological support, assistance with document verification, and help finding housing. The organizations stated that the children are being processed for their return to standard life in Ukrainian-controlled areas.