41 Ukrainians made the long journey from occupation to Ukrainian-controlled territory after enduring Russian pressure, detention and control
Four children and five teenagers were among those who returned to Ukraine in August and September through a route via Belarus.
In August and September, Ukraine assisted 41 citizens in escaping from Russian-occupied territories and making their way to Ukrainian-controlled regions. This journey marked the end of months or years under Russian occupation for many, and the beginning of their return to life in government-controlled Ukraine. The Ombudsman of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, detailed several cases among those who returned.
One family managed to leave after the father was released from Russian captivity, though their older son remained in captivity. Another case involved a young medical worker who was evacuated just before she would have been drafted into Russia's armed forces. Another man had been detained multiple times in occupied territory and held in basements, with his Ukrainian passport confiscated.
Assistance for those who succeeded in crossing to Ukrainian-controlled territory included restoring documents, financial aid, temporary housing, psychological and social services, and further travel. The Ombudsman's Office and partner organizations, such as Caritas Ukraine, provided assistance to 1,140 people during this period alone.
This effort to facilitate returns comes amid a broader issue of displacement from occupied territories, as highlighted by a 2026 UN report. The report documented forcible transfers and deportations from areas occupied by Russia, along with barriers that hindered displaced Ukrainians from returning. The Mokrany-Domanove crossing in Ukraine's Volyn Oblast is a key route for Ukrainians seeking to return to government-controlled territory.
However, Lubinets noted that there are still individuals waiting to leave occupied territories, and his office continues to work with various partners to find escape routes. Lubinets specifically mentioned the ongoing difficulties in Oleshky and surrounding settlements in Kherson Oblast, where thousands of civilians, including about 50 children, remain without reliable access to essential resources such as food, water, medicine, healthcare, and communication.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
