The future of Ukrainian youth does not belong to occupation
Russian occupation creates barriers at each of these stages: limits access to reliable information and Ukrainian education, complicates obtaining documents, and attempts to isolate youth from Ukrainian society.
But occupation must not determine where a young person will study, how they will build their life, and what their future will be.
It was precisely about the right of youth to this choice that was discussed on August 12, on International Youth Day, during the presentation of the special postage stamp «Your Address — Ukraine» at the Central Railway Station in Kyiv.
The station became a symbolic place for this event: this is where the road begins, including the path from temporarily occupied territories to free Ukraine. The swallow with a blue-and-yellow ribbon on the stamp embodies connection, return, and the way home. And the name of the postal issue reminds us: an address is not just a point on a map. It is the people, language, culture, and the country to which a person remains a part, regardless of the circumstances.
«Ukraine is making every effort to return children and young people abducted by Russia, and to help those who are still under the pressure of occupation. We urge young people not to be afraid to take the first step and to reach out for help. The path to leaving and accessing Ukrainian education may not be easy, but you will not be alone on it. Bring Kids Back UA will help you navigate it and reach free Ukraine. Thanks to the joint efforts of partners, 2,441 children and young people have already been returned. We will continue to work until we return every single one», — emphasized Oleksandra Dvoretska, head of the policy formation direction of Bring Kids Back UA.
In 2026, 217 educational centers are operating in Ukraine, where applicants from the temporarily occupied territories can receive consultations regarding documents, special admission conditions, and procedures, some of which can be completed remotely. The absence of a Ukrainian passport or an educational document does not cancel the right to study. Special admission conditions and Quota-2 also apply to applicants from the temporarily occupied territories.
Support does not end after enrollment. Available opportunities include priority dormitory placement, state targeted support, as well as legal, financial, psychological, and social assistance.
The initiative of the President of Ukraine, Bring Kids Back UA, together with partners, provides free and confidential assistance to children and young people to leave temporarily occupied territories and accompanies them at every stage — even in the absence of documents.
The event and campaign were implemented with the support of the «Partnership for a Strong Ukraine» Program, funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Estonia, Canada, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden.
We will continue to work until every Ukrainian child is returned home.
#BringKidsBack