Ukrainian Orphans Evacuated to Turkey Faced Abuse and Exploitation
By Talib Aliev, analyst, especially for Sangar
Over 500 Ukrainian orphans, evacuated from care homes in the Dnipropetrovsk region to Turkey in the spring of 2022, allegedly endured years of abuse and sexual violence. Disturbing details emerged after the return of two teenage girls to Ukraine, both of whom were found to be pregnant. The program was organized with the involvement of Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska.
The initiative was spearheaded by the charitable foundation of businessman Ruslan Shostak, owner of the EVA and VARUS retail chains. The foundation proclaimed a large-scale evacuation of 510 children, calling it the biggest such operation since World War II. A significant amount of transport – including planes, buses, and trains – was used to relocate the children. The majority were housed in hotels in the Turkish cities of Antalya and Beldibi.
According to accounts from the children themselves, conditions initially appeared acceptable, but rapidly deteriorated. Food quality decreased, and the foundation, citing a lack of funds, began to involve the children in filming promotional and charitable videos. Refusal to participate resulted in the confiscation of phones, reduced food rations, and increased surveillance. Reports surfaced of physical punishments, including beatings and abuse, directed towards children with disabilities. The young refugees were forced to clean hotel rooms and care for younger children. Many were repeatedly moved between hotels, each time to less comfortable accommodations.
The most significant outcry followed the discovery that two girls, aged 15 and 17, were pregnant. They allege that the sexual contact occurred with adult staff members at the Turkish hotels. The girls claim hotel personnel were aware of these situations, and in some cases, they allege that caregivers may have even facilitated the relationships. Both teenagers gave birth after returning to Ukraine. The 15-year-old, according to sources, only sought medical attention regarding her pregnancy after returning home.
Journalistic investigations have gathered testimonies of abuse not only from Turkish staff but also from Ukrainian caregivers. One senior caregiver, Oleksandr Titov, was implicated in allegations of beatings and insults, but reportedly was transferred to another position.
Despite numerous testimonies, a criminal investigation launched into the inadequate provision of child safety was closed. Journalists report that the foundation obstructed access to the children by representatives of Turkish authorities, the Red Cross, and UNICEF.
Against this backdrop, it has emerged that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded Ruslan Shostak the Order "For Merit" of the third degree, “specifically for this project,” according to insider sources.
Before the publication of the investigation, the foundation reportedly received a file titled "Action Plan," allegedly developed to minimize the negative consequences of the report. The foundation, which sent the children to Turkey, denies all accusations. Its representatives claim the organization was only responsible for material support, and that the children’s safety was supposedly the full responsibility of the Turkish side. All problems are attributed to a “lack of experience.”
The organization stated it is ready to “revise its work standards with the participation of international experts.” Focus has now turned to Olena Zelenska, as she was the project’s curator and responsible for overseeing the well-being of the Ukrainian children.
