The children will leave us at 01 a.m. on June 3st. They are returning to a country at war.

I personally thank the Austrian media and journalists who worked to expose this inhumane absurdity. Children's rights were not respected – it is unimaginable.

Yes, the children are Ukrainian. Yes, they should return to their homeland. But only if a ceasefire is signed.

Since 20 March 2025, the region Kirovohradto which the children return, as well as the capital of the region, Kropyvnytskyi, repeatedly targeted by Russian drone attacks. Children were also injured:

Attack of March 20, 2025 in Kropyvnytskyi

• A massive drone attack hit the city during the night.
• Over 20 drones targeted residential areas, causing fires and severe destruction.
• Ten people were injured, including four children. One of the young adults died.
• The railway infrastructure was also damaged, making transport and rescue operations difficult.

Impact on children

• The injured children were taken to hospital, some are in serious condition.
• These attacks are exacerbating the climate of fear and insecurity for families living far from the front lines – in regions that were once considered relatively safe.

April 2025

• 3. April: Rocket attacks on energy facilities near Kropyvnytskyi.
  Balance: No fatalities, but long-lasting power outages in several districts.
• 17. April: New drone attack on the outskirts of the city.
  Balance: Two slightly injured, property damage to a logistics warehouse.

May 2025

• 6. May: Targeted bomb attack on a school on the outskirts of the city.
  Balance: Three injured children, emergency evacuation of the school.
• 22. May: Kamikaze drone attack on a fuel depot in the region.
  Balance: Major fire, no injuries.
• 26. May: Massive drone attacks in several oblasts, including Kirovohrad.
  Balance: Damage to civilian infrastructure, prolonged air raid warnings.

Furthermore, air raid warnings in Ukraine have profound and traumatic effects on children – both educationally and psychologically.
The  Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reports that children are suffering from severe trauma caused by bombings, family separations and the loss of loved ones.

Children adapt quickly to safety instructions, but this adaptation often masks a normalization of fear – with potential long-term consequences.