A child walking to school suddenly freezes. Breathing quickens, heart races, eyes lose focus — but there are no sirens, no explosions.

So far, Save Ukraine has rescued over 900 children from Russia and occupied territories. But thousands more are still waiting to be saved.

This week, we had the honor to welcome Inga Ruginienė, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Lithuania, during her first official visit abroad — to Ukraine.

Every day, the Save Ukraine team searches for and rescues children abducted by Russia. We bring them home, help them heal, and restore what was taken from them — safety, trust, and the chance to be children again.

When Nazar was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, words were scarce. He avoided peers and couldn’t name what he felt.

“They threw grenades at us — to make it feel real.”

That’s how Sofia describes her “training” at a Russian so-called “youth camp.”

Imagine a child in military uniform. A rifle in their hands. A military instructor standing nearby. The child is not even sixteen — yet they are being taught how to fight.

At Save Ukraine, we know that evacuation is only the first step. Once a child is safe, the real work begins: overcoming trauma, rebuilding trust, and closing critical educational gaps.

They can once again be children: breathe freely, and feel love and care around them.