Save Ukraine

Eight more Ukrainian children have been successfully rescued from temporarily occupied Crimea thanks to the efforts of the Save Ukraine team, the International Headquarters for Aid to Ukrainians, and the Office of the Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, as part of the President of Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative.  These children, from a large family, became victims of Russia’s systematic war crimes. While they were in the hospital, they were forcibly taken from their mother. Under the threat of losing her parental rights, the woman was coerced into signing documents that transferred her children to an orphanage.  At the institution, the children were subjected to discrimination due to their Ukrainian origins. They were forced to participate in meetings with Russian military personnel for propaganda photo reports. They were also involved in so-called “charity events” to raise funds for the Russian army. Additionally, children were taught how to assemble and disassemble guns, participated in combat training competitions, enrolled in paramilitary clubs and cadet classes, and were indoctrinated into a culture of war from an early age. On the temporarily occupied territories, propaganda begins as early as kindergarten. Ukrainian children are not raised as free individuals but as future captives of the Kremlin—deprived of their right to choice, free thought, and national identity.  But today, all eight children are safe. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners #WeAreAllUkrainians, and Ukrzaliznytsia for supporting this mission. In total, we have already brought 579 children home, including 129 who had been deprived of parental care.  We will not stop until every Ukrainian child is home. 💙💛

Kseniia Koldin recited a prayer for Ukraine on behalf of all our children at the National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance 2025.      Held on February 5 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., the event brought together Christian leaders, government officials, and believers in a united prayer. One of its key themes was praying for nations suffering from war and persecution.      In 2022, our team helped Kseniia escape from Russia and reunite with her younger brother, Serhii, in Ukraine. The siblings, who had been raised in a foster family, were separated and forcibly deported to Russia during the occupation of their home in the Kharkiv region. Today, Kseniia is an ambassador for all deported Ukrainian children at Save Ukraine, making sure their voices are heard around the world.      Join us in watching the prayer and standing together in hope for peace and justice. 

Last week, twelve children who endured the horrors of Russian occupation were successfully rescued thanks to the efforts of the Save Ukraine team, with the support of the Bring Kids Back UA. Each of their stories is heartbreaking: ⚡️ 16-year-old Yaryna lost her mother due to the negligence of Russian doctors and lived in constant fear of being sent to an orphanage. ⚡️ 17-year-old Timur received a conscription notice for the Russian army despite being underage. ⚡️ 15-year-old Yulia was sent to a camp near Moscow for a week, where she was given excursions and "introduced to her new homeland." ⚡️ 8-year-old Vika and her father were hiding in their own home from the Russians. Her father, who refused to take Russian citizenship, constantly feared for her safety. A neighbor collaborating with the occupiers tried to take Vika away through the Russian guardianship system. ⚡️ 13-year-old Ulyana spent almost three years in occupation with her mother, who was caring for her sick grandmother. She knew there was no future for her in her village, so she reached out to Save Ukraine for help. All of these children were at risk of losing not just their homes, but their futures. Russia blocks families from leaving temporarily occupied territories, uses children as human shields, and turns schools into propaganda tools. Under these conditions, every day is a fight for survival. But today, they are finally safe. Thanks to our partners #WeAreAllUkrainians areallukrainians2022, Ron Wahid, the Humanity Foundation, and the United Coordination Center for Search and Rescue, these children were freed from Russian captivity. In total, 571 children have been rescued from Russian captivity, including 129 orphans (59 boys and 70 girls). This is another small victory in the greater fight for humanity against the cruelty of the Kremlin regime. #SaveUkraine #BringKidsBack #StopDeportation

Children who have experienced war often lose their connection with themselves and the world. Many struggle to express their emotions or describe what they feel in words. That’s when paints and brushes step in as helpful tools in the hands of psychologists. The "Self-Portrait" technique allows children to tell their stories and express their inner state without saying a word—only through colors, lines, and brushstrokes. Through colors, backgrounds, and symbols, they learn to express feelings that words cannot convey. What do I look like? What does the world around me look like? What color is my mood? A blue sky before the rain, golden wheat fields, white like peace—every stroke helps children express their emotions, understand their fears and dreams, and reconnect with themselves. And often, right here at the easel and with paints, a new sense of hope and confidence in the future is born. 👉 Watch the video to learn more about this art therapy technique. **  This project was created by Save Ukraine thanks to a grant from the Children’s Resilience Fund: Providing Capacity Building and Funding to Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations in Ukraine. The program is implemented by Crown Agents in Ukraine and @integrity_action. The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of Integrity Action or Crown Agents in Ukraine.

The Hope and Healing Center in Irpin has undergone major upgrades! Thanks to our partners' support, we have installed an electric lift and equipped modern sanitary facilities to help elderly and low-mobility residents feel more comfortable and independent. This new equipment enables elderly individuals and people with limited mobility to be more self-sufficient in daily life while also helping our social workers provide even better care. These improvements were made possible by Charity Organization "Time to Serve", in partnership with Christian Aid and Blythswood Care, as part of the "Grant Support for Communities (SCLR)" project. We also thank our long-term partners—your support ensures that our residents can live in comfort. Together, we are making the world more accessible! 💙💛 

For the past six months, our early intervention team in Irpin has been creating an environment where the youngest members of the community and their families receive care, support, and new opportunities for development. Individual consultations, group sessions, and programs for children — all of these help children overcome difficulties, and parents become more confident in their parenting. Learn more about the first successful steps of our project in the carousel 🔽

Today, more and more children are facing anxiety, fear, and pain caused by the war that has disrupted their lives. Preserving a child's mental health is a challenge for every family, and we want to help you navigate through this. What can parents or guardians do for their children right now?    Our team of psychologists has prepared some helpful tips for you.    👉 Listen to your child. Have you ever noticed how critical it is to let a child express their thoughts? Sit next to them, hug them, and listen—without judgment or criticism. It creates a space of trust where your child can openly share their feelings. Sometimes, the most important thing is just to be present and attentive.    👉 Show understanding. Say something like, “I see how hard this is for you, and I’m here to help.” This reassures your child that their feelings matter and that they are not alone.    👉 Share your own emotions. Let them know that you sometimes feel sad or scared too, and that it’s okay. It helps your child understand that even adults experience similar feelings and teaches them to accept their emotions.    You can also help your child find joy and distraction by spending more time together:    ✨ Play together! Do not underestimate the value of shared play. It could be something simple—puzzles, clay modeling, or even soccer in the yard. The key is being together.  ✨ Get creative! Drawing, singing, or crafting are great outlets for emotions. Who knows, your child might even discover a hidden talent!  ✨ Take walks in nature. A change of scenery and fresh air can significantly lift the mood.    Make sure your child has a daily routine. It helps them feel more stable, even in challenging times. Balanced meals, sufficient sleep, and physical activity are fundamental to maintaining emotional well-being. Try to limit screen time and encourage more face-to-face interactions—it will be beneficial for everyone.    And most importantly, remember:    💡 Every child has their own pace of recovery—give them time and space.  💡 Do not forget about yourself—your energy and calmness can help your child feel more secure.    Contact us via the form if you need support (link in the first comment or story). Our psychologists are here to help you and your children regain emotional balance. 💙💛  ***  Consultations are provided as part of the program Comprehensive Psychological Assistance for Children and Families Affected by War. This program is implemented under USAID's Public Health System Recovery and Resilience Activity implemented by Pact to offer psychological support to displaced individuals—adults and children—who have experienced trauma. 

Our elderly and less mobile beneficiaries from Save Ukraine centers share heartfelt thanks that inspire and motivate us to continue our work. Every warm word reminds us why our efforts matter. 👉 Swipe through the carousel to read genuine feedback from the people we’ve helped. LandsAid e.V. Aktion Deutschland Hilft e.V.

On January 22, we celebrate Unity Day in Ukraine, a holiday that reminds us of Ukrainians' enduring desire to be free and united.    Unity is not just about borders. It’s about people, our shared future, and the future of generations to come. That’s why today, we are working together to rescue Ukrainian children from deportation and temporarily occupied territories. We aim to ensure that every Ukrainian child grows up in a happy family and has the chance for joy and success in a free country.    Let’s cherish the unity of our nation! Happy Unity Day! 💛💙   

"I’m afraid they won’t understand me," Maksym whispered during his first visit to our center, avoiding eye contact.    The 12-year-old boy came to us with a struggle familiar to many: fear of communication, a lack of friends, and low self-confidence. His world was confined to quiet evenings playing video games and drawing comics—a way to escape a reality where every conversation with peers felt like a challenge.    At first, Maksym barely spoke. His answers were short, and his eyes stayed fixed on the floor. But through art therapy, we began to reach his heart. Through visual storytelling, he started to share his own story.    The turning point came when we invited Maksym to create his superhero. For the first time, there was a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Can the superhero be a little like me?" he asked hesitantly.    It turned out the superhero could—and not just a little. The superhero had to be just like him! Step by step, through games and creative exercises, Maksym began to recognize the qualities in himself that he once thought belonged only to fictional characters.    Today, Maksym is a different child. For the first time in a long while, he has made a friend. He’s learned to start conversations at school. "You know, my classmates like comics too!" he smiled.    Children have incredible potential, but sometimes they need our help to believe in themselves. You can be part of that journey—support our center and help children find their path to recovery.    ❤️ Tell us in the comments: What heroes inspire you?    This project was created by Save Ukraine with a grant from the Children’s Resilience Fund: Providing Capacity Building and Funding to Ukrainian Civil Society Organisations. The program is implemented by Crown Agents in Ukraine and Integrity Action. The content does not necessarily reflect the views of Integrity Action or Crown Agents in Ukraine.