A strong and effective long-term cooperation between Save Ukraine and kleine herzen, which is based on trust and friendship.
Nearly 15 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting a man who was passionate about helping needy children and families in Ukraine, with an unwavering determination to improve their difficult living conditions and to advocate for justice and equal opportunities for every child.
Mykola Kuleba was Ombudsman for Children’s Rights in Ukraine from 2014 to 2021, he founded the non-profit organization SaveUkrainewhen the war broke out. Since then, he has been working to rescue and support children and their families who have become victims of the war, and to help them reintegrate into society.
Mykola Kuleba is the winner of the Magnitsky Human Rights Prize 2023, which honors an “outstanding human rights activist.”
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Mykola Kuleba and his team, consisting mainly of volunteers, have performed miracles. SaveUkraine returned over 360 Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces, exposing the inhumane practices of the Russian government.
According to reports, around 20.000 children have been forcibly relocated or abducted by Russian forces since the invasion of the country began. Thousands of children have been placed in re-education camps, given military training and a new identity before being adopted by Russian families.
On 12 June 2024, MP Gudrun Kugler spoke to the Austrian National Council about the great work of SaveUkraineShe explained their search for and return of children abducted by Russian forces and also spoke about Austria's support.
More than 7 million Ukrainian children have lost their childhoods as a result of the war. Save Ukraine is doing everything it can to not only save lives, but also give hope for a better future.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, kleine herzen works closely with Save Ukraine, finances the repatriation of children abducted by Russian forces, supports the evacuation of children from conflict areas, and helps families whose property has been destroyed by bombs through sponsorships.