On October 5, at the Ukrainian Premier League match between Dynamo Kyiv and Metalist 1925 Kharkiv, children who had previously been deported or forcibly displaced by Russia – and have since been returned to Ukraine – were invited as special guests. These children walked the players of both teams onto the field at Kyiv’s V. V. Lobanovskyi Stadium.
This was one of the first activities marking FC Dynamo Kyiv’s involvement in the President of Ukraine’s initiative Bring Kids Back UA.
The initiative aims to return home all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine which began in 2022. Ukraine has confirmed information about at least 19,546 such cases though it is believed that the real number is much higher – possibly over 1.6 million children, including those still remaining in temporarily occupied territories. As of today, thanks to Bring Kids Back UA, 1,656 children have been successfully returned home.
By supporting the President’s initiative, FC Dynamo Kyiv demonstrates its readiness not only to offer symbolic support but also to become a long-term partner in joint efforts by the state, civil society and international allies – particularly through reintegration programs and activities aimed at bringing Ukrainian children home.
“For us football has always been more than just a game. Above all it’s a responsibility to our society and our children. We will do everything we can to help bring Ukrainian children home because they are the future of our country. We are convinced that children must grow up at home – in their own country, in their families, under a peaceful sky”, – Dmytro Brif, General Director of FC Dynamo Kyiv.
FC Dynamo Kyiv calls on fans, partners and everyone who cares to join the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and stand together in the fight to bring our children home.
* photo Dynamo, Metalist 1925
