Thirteen children have been safely returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory from Russian-occupied Kherson, after enduring threats, coercion, and militarization under occupation.The group – five girls and eight boys, aged three to 17 – was evacuated as part of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative, with support from the Save Ukraine charity.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.Announcing the return on Tuesday, Kherson Regional Military Administration head Oleksandr Prokudin said the children had been subjected to intense pressure during their time under occupation.“In some cases, Russians intimidated children with firing-squad executions, disguising themselves in Ukrainian uniforms,” Prokudin said, adding that in other cases “the occupation authorities forced children to register for military service,” despite their health problems.Teenagers were also prepared for combat, with Russian authorities training them “on ranges to dig trenches, shoot and throw grenades.”The children are currently undergoing reintegration at “Hope and Recovery” centers, where they are receiving psychological support as well as practical help with documents and shelters.H2: EU imposes sanctions on Russian officialsThe Kherson case reflects a broader pattern of unlawful deportations and forced transfers that international bodies have classified as a war crime. Ukrainian children are subjected to pro-Russian ideology with the aim of erasing Ukrainian identity through forced citizenship.