We are overjoyed to report that, as of last month, 24 more children and teenagers were reunited with their families in Ukraine! Save Ukraine, an AFFEO partner, is the only public organization in Ukraine that regularly organizes rescue missions to return deported children from Russia.
Ukrainian authorities have officially verified the cases of more than 19,500 children who have been unlawfully deported or transferred to Russia or Russian-occupied territories since the start of the full-scale invasion. Independent experts, however, estimate the actual number may be much higher, possibly exceeding 35,000.
Of those recently rescued …
• 7-year-old Anastasia and 2-year-old Yaroslav, lost their mother due to medical neglect by Russian doctors. The children risked being placed in a Russian orphanage and losing contact with their relatives forever. With Save Ukraine’s help, they have now been safely reunited with family.
• 19-year-old Mykhailo was interrogated by Russian soldiers about his uncle — a Ukrainian veteran — and threatened with execution when he was just 17. After turning 18, he was forcibly conscripted into the Russian army.
• 18-year-old Veronika spent most of her life under occupation, studying in a Russian-controlled school. Yet she never lost her identity — the first thing she did after crossing back into Ukraine was tear up the Russian passport she had been forced to accept.
During this Advent season, as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, join us in praising God that these 24 young Ukrainians are finally safe! And pray for them — and others like them — who are attending Save Ukraine’s Hope and Healing Centers, where they receive psychological support, legal and housing assistance, and daily care. Ask God to help them recover and rebuild their sense of safety and trust.
Thanks to Save Ukraine, 1,026 children have been brought home. But thousands more are still waiting. Won’t you please pray with us that the Lord would speedily bring a just peace for Ukraine … AND that all of the precious Ukrainian children who are still waiting will be returned to their families and homeland?
Thank you so much for your prayers and concern. May God bless you with a meaningful Advent season.