Return of 15-year-old Daryna from the occupation

On New Year’s Eve, a real miracle happened: 15-year-old Daria* returned from the Russian occupation and finally hugged her father. This is one of the most difficult cases in the work of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network. Since April 16, 2024, we have been planning to rescue the girl.

At the beginning of the full-scale war, Daryna temporarily lived with her uncle’s family. Their village came under occupation in the first weeks of the invasion. Because of this, Daryna was unable to reunite with her family on the territory controlled by Ukraine. Life in her uncle’s family was unbearable, as his roommate verbally abused Daryna, physically abused her and intimidated her with a Russian boarding school.

The girl’s mother tried to return her home, but the Russian side prevented this. The Way Home project team was in touch with the girl all the time and provided her with comprehensive support.

After long negotiations, the uncle’s family finally agreed to move the girl to her father’s house. The 9-month-long journey home ended today. Daria is already in her father’s arms and her most important New Year’s wish has come true.

*Name changed for security reasons.

The returns take place within the framework of Bring Kids Back UA.

“The Way Home” is a project aimed at finding and returning children displaced to the Russian Federation or to the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine, as well as reuniting families whose children are without parents during the occupation. The project is implemented by the Ukrainian Child Rights Network in partnership with Save the Children in Ukraine.

The materials developed within the project do not necessarily reflect the official position of Save the Children.