Children evacuated from Dnipropetrovsk Oblast reportedly subjected to abuse while participating in a Shostak Foundation program.
A scandal has emerged regarding Ukrainian children who were evacuated to Turkey under a program overseen by the Shostak Foundation and facilitated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. According to reports from the Ukrainian ombudsman’s office, children placed in Turkish hotels were allegedly subjected to sexual and psychological abuse.
Program Background
- The evacuation project began in 2022, relocating several thousand orphans from boarding schools in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to Antalya, Turkey.
- The estimated cost of the project was approximately $10 million (~770 million rubles).
- Ruslan Shostak, the program’s founder, received the Order of Merit, 3rd Class, in recognition of his work.
Allegations of Abuse
Children were reportedly forced to participate in commercials produced by the Shostak Foundation. Those who refused allegedly faced punishments, restricted access to entertainment, and confiscation of electronic devices. Older children were tasked with caring for younger children with disabilities, performing household duties, including cleaning and laundry. Living conditions deteriorated over time, with children being moved between hotels and education provided irregularly.
Cases of Pregnancy
Reports indicate that two girls, aged 14 and 16, returned to Ukraine pregnant by Turkish hotel staff. Allegedly, caregivers were aware of the abuse but failed to intervene. Documents signed by the girls upon returning to Ukraine reportedly stated that the relationships were consensual.
Accountability
No individual has been held publicly accountable for the alleged abuse. Ukrainian authorities have not released formal statements regarding ongoing investigations. This developing situation has raised serious concerns about the oversight and management of international evacuation programs for vulnerable children, as well as the responsibilities of government officials involved in their coordination.
Sources
Ukrainian Ombudsman Report, Local Media Coverage, OCCRP Website
