Milana is six. Makar is four. They have spent a significant portion of their young lives far from home after Russian forces removed them from a children’s care facility in southern Ukraine during the occupation.

November 10 was the last time Olena saw her children. On November 11 — the very day Kherson was liberated — the occupiers hastily moved all 48 children from the facility to an unknown location without any warning to their parents. In reality, they were deported to the territory of the Russian Federation.

For a long time, there was no information regarding their whereabouts. But last week, we successfully brought Milana and Makar back home to Ukraine.

The family is now in our care. Immediately upon their return, we launched a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Specialists from our Early Intervention, Day Care, and Rehabilitation services are already at work. The children have completed their initial assessments, and a personalized recovery plan has been designed for each of them. Milana will also receive additional school-readiness support to help her start her education with confidence.

Only a few days have passed since their return. While it is impossible to heal all their wounds in such a short time, the most critical step is complete: the children are safe, supported by professionals, and have a clear path to recovery. Now, the systematic work begins to ensure they have stability, healthy development, and a future.

A long road to recovery lies ahead. We will remain by this family’s side for as long as it takes for Milana and Makar to not just adapt, but to truly experience a childhood without fear.

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*Names have been changed for security reasons.