Ukraine returns group of children from occupation, where they were subjected to Russian propaganda
Ukraine has brought back a group of children aged between three and 17 from temporarily occupied territories. During their time under occupation, Russian invaders subjected the children to propaganda, with even the youngest being forced to draw the Russian tricolour in kindergartens.
This was reported by the head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, on Telegram.
The return of the children was made possible through the efforts of Ukrainian state authorities and partner organisations. Officials stress that work to rescue and return Ukrainian children from occupation is ongoing.
According to Prokudin, the children were rescued from the temporarily occupied part of Kherson region. They endured threats, coercion and systematic indoctrination.
“Three- and five-year-old girls in kindergarten were forced to draw the Russian tricolour and present handmade gifts to soldiers on holidays. Russians involve our children in propaganda from a very young age and continue this in secondary school,” Prokudin said.
He added that a 17-year-old boy was taught drill exercises and weapons handling at a Russian-run school. He and his classmates were also placed on military records, a step towards compulsory service in the occupying army immediately after reaching adulthood.
The children are currently staying at “Hope and Recovery” centres, where they are receiving psychological support, assistance with documents, accommodation and care.
Another group of children has also been returned from temporarily occupied territories in Kherson region.
