A teenager was taken from occupied territories, pursued by Russians for supporting Ukraine, according to the ombudsman.

This was reported by the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets.

One of them is a 17-year-old boy who supported Ukraine in the occupied territory, which led to him being pursued by the representatives of the occupying authorities.

“Interrogations, threats, and intimidation became a routine for the boy. However, neither fear nor pressure broke his spirit. Eventually, he reached out to us, and now he is safe, receiving humanitarian and material support, as well as assistance in document processing. A new chapter in his life awaits him — studying in free, independent Ukraine,” Lubinets reported.

Additionally, two children from the Donetsk region have been successfully returned. The boys were staying in the temporarily occupied area with their biological father. Their young mother was forced to leave Ukraine due to the war.

Unable to bring the children back on her own, the woman turned to the Office of the Ombudsman.

“The children were evacuated from the occupied territory and reunited with their mother. Today, this family is together, safe, and taking the first steps towards healing the wounds of war,” Lubinets stated.

Where to seek help?

If your child is missing and you, as their legal representative, do not know their whereabouts, it is crucial to report this to the National Police of Ukraine at 102.

If you believe that the child has been deported to the Russian Federation or is located in temporarily occupied territories, in addition to contacting the police, you should also reach out to the Office of the Ombudsman at: 0 800 50 17 20 (hotline within Ukraine), 044 299 74 08 (for calls from abroad), or via email at [email protected].