The government of Ukraine has reported that children returned from Russia have suffered from severe psychological and sometimes physical violence. This was announced by Irina Tulyakova, the director of the rehabilitation and reintegration direction of the "Bring Kids Back" program, in an interview with Germany's “DW” publication. This program was created on the initiative of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“They are victims of war”
According to Tulyakova, every child returned from deportation is in a seriously distressed state.
“These children have often lost their loved ones, witnessed murders right before their eyes, been threatened by Russian soldiers – they have been told what could happen to them or their relatives in the basement,” says she.
Even the process of returning them to their homeland has been emphasized as causing significant psychological stress and trauma to the children.
Violence – especially among teenagers
“Cases of physical violence, especially among teenagers, occurred frequently. According to the Russians, if a child disobeys, it must immediately be punished with force,” says Tulyakova.
According to her, cases of sexual violence have also been reported among the children, but they are not widespread.
“They were forced to feel not Ukrainian, but Russian”
Ukrainian children in Russia constantly heard phrases like “you are not needed,” “you are not Ukrainian – you are Russian.” Some were even taken to military training camps. This has been a heavy blow to their consciousness and psyche.
“They have been filled with wrong information against Ukraine”
“In Russia, children have been told a lot of bad things about Ukraine, which has further intensified their fear. Many have resisted the pressure, some have even fought against recruitment,” says Irina Tulyakova.
