Ukraine achieves breakthrough in bringing children home from Russian-controlled areas
Illustrative photo: 2,000 children were returned to Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine has achieved a significant result in bringing children back from areas under Russian control, successfully returning 2,000 Ukrainian minors home, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Read also: Melania Trump optimistic about bringing Ukrainian children home after Putin's response
"Today, we have achieved a significant result – two thousand Ukrainian children have been brought home from under Russia’s control through the BringKidsBackUA initiative," he wrote.
Today, we have achieved a significant result – two thousand Ukrainian children have been brought home from under Russia’s control through the @BringKidsBackUA initiative.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 17, 2026
Each of these returns was made possible thanks to the daily efforts of our people, civil society… pic.twitter.com/6JVKMfZ1T1
Zelenskyy noted that the return of each child was made possible thanks to daily efforts by civil society organizations and international partners.
He expressed gratitude to everyone involved in fighting for the future of Ukraine’s children.
"The road ahead remains long and difficult. Thousands of Ukrainian children are still held captive by Russia, becoming victims of its crimes every day. But we will not stop until every Ukrainian child is back home," the President emphasized.
Return of children from Russia
On February 12, US First Lady Melania Trump announced the successful completion of another stage in returning Ukrainian children who were deported to Russia since the start of the full-scale war.
This marks the third successful family reunification mission carried out with direct participation and strategic coordination between Kyiv and Moscow.
Melania Trump emphasized that communication between the parties remains stable and urged both countries to intensify efforts to return every child home.
Negotiations are currently ongoing for the next groups of children, and the White House has announced further progress in this humanitarian mission.
