Hundreds of Ukrainian children were evacuated to Italy. Kyiv is now battling to get them back
Hundreds of Ukrainian Children Evacuated to Italy Now in Legal Dispute Over Return Home
Hundreds of Ukrainian children were evacuated to Italy amid the chaos of Russia’s invasion, a move intended to secure their safety. In early 2022, when Sumy, a northern city, became a battleground, Liubov Rudyka, a director of a children’s home, arranged for 25 minors to relocate to Naples. At the time, the evacuation seemed like a temporary solution, but four years later, the children are locked in a legal battle with Kyiv, as Italian authorities resist repatriation. The situation highlights the evolving complexities of humanitarian efforts during prolonged conflict.
A Legal Battle Over Temporary Protection
Hundreds of Ukrainian children were relocated to Italy as part of a broader initiative to shield them from war zones. However, the initial intent of the evacuation has been upended by legal challenges. In April 2026, Kyiv uncovered that one of the children—a 15-year-old—had been formally adopted, complicating efforts to reunite families. While the mother in Ukraine remains eager to reclaim her child, Italian courts have cited safeguards for minors to block immediate return, sparking concerns over the rights of displaced children.
The Italian judicial system, which has long prioritized child welfare, now serves as a barrier to Kyiv’s plans. Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, criticized Rome’s stance, stating that Italian authorities have refused to cooperate with repatriation requests. “Hundreds of Ukrainian children were moved under the premise of safety, but now they’re trapped in a legal limbo,” he argued, drawing comparisons to reports of children deported to Russia. The case has reignited debates about the balance between humanitarian aid and long-term custody decisions.
Refugee Status and Legal Hurdles
Hundreds of Ukrainian children were granted refugee status in Italy, a legal classification that has complicated their return. This decision, made by Italian authorities, did not recognize Rudyka as their legal guardian under Ukrainian law, effectively transferring custody to local foster families. The refugee framework, designed to protect vulnerable youth, has now been weaponized in the dispute, with courts emphasizing the need for independent rulings. This has left the children’s futures uncertain, even as Ukraine seeks to reclaim them.
Rosa Emanuela Lo Faro, an Italian lawyer representing the minors, explained that communication between the children and their Ukrainian families was severely restricted. “Hundreds of Ukrainian children were cut off from contact with their guardians, friends, and all Ukrainian citizens,” she noted. While some foster families have pushed for adoption, the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation has overturned a few guardianship decisions. Yet, the process remains stalled, with advocates on both sides arguing for the children’s best interests.
Impact on Ukraine’s Demographic Crisis
Hundreds of Ukrainian children were evacuated to Italy in 2022 as part of a larger strategy to address the country’s demographic challenges. With millions displaced by the war, Kyiv fears that the children’s prolonged stay in Italy will worsen the population decline. Officials stress that the evacuation was meant to be temporary, but the legal entanglements have stretched the process far beyond its original scope. “Hundreds of Ukrainian children were sent abroad to find safety, but now they’re battlegrounds for political and legal interests,” said Lubinets, underscoring the urgency of resolving the issue.
The situation also raises questions about the international response to Ukraine’s crisis. While Italy’s efforts to protect the children have been praised, they have also sparked criticism for hindering family reunification. The case reflects broader tensions in refugee policies, as countries balance immediate care with long-term consequences. As the war continues, the fate of hundreds of Ukrainian children remains tied to the evolving legal landscape in Italy, with Kyiv pushing for a resolution that prioritizes their homeland.
“The evacuation was meant to be temporary, but the legal framework in Italy has turned it into a permanent dispute.” – Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Human Rights Ombudsman