Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia. There, they face forced adoptions, reeducation camps, and isolation. Families and friends left behind desperately search for their daughters and sons.

NTV journalist Sabine Oelmann spoke with some of the children who have been brought back home, as well as with their families, lawyers, and psychologists from “Save Ukraine” – the organization dedicated to locating and returning the children. Additionally, the “Hope & Healing Center” in Kyiv provides support for processing the potentially traumatic experiences.

Together with Wladimir Klitschko and Tatjana Kiel, Sabine Oelmann denounces this horrific Russian war tactic in the book “Stolen Lives – The Abducted Children of Ukraine”, published in late 2023 by Heyne Verlag. On April 16, she will read from the book, giving voice to courageous children and youth. With Be an Angel founder Andreas Tölke, she reflects on the destinies she encountered during her research – stories of lost childhood and the fight for freedom.