Empty Beds
The Tale of 19,546 Abducted Ukrainian Children
October 26 - November 30
44 2nd Ave, New York
Since the 2022 full-scale invasion,
Russia has abducted over 19,546 Ukrainian children.
Only 994 have managed to return
I could only imagine these parents’ grief and anguish as they stared at their child’s empty bed, not knowing where they were and if they would ever hold them again and read them their favorite bedtime story. I’ve no familial ties to Ukraine, but this is a tragedy and a warning about what may happen to more children should Russia not be stopped.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, 19,546 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territory without the consent of family or guardians. They are forbidden to speak Ukrainian, and their names and dates of birth are routinely changed by Russian authorities as part of “Russification” intended to erase their Ukrainian identity. This is a war crime that meets the U.N. definition of genocide. When I heard this, I was moved to return to Ukraine to bring back these stories in another public artwork, almost a sequel to the large photo mural I displayed last year of the civilian car cemetery in Irpin.
Shown here are the beds of the “lucky” ones, the ones who have escaped from Russian-occupied areas. They left family, schoolmates, and teachers behind, carrying only what could be carried in a backpack, perhaps a favorite stuffed animal. Some took journeys lasting a week. They now live outside Kyiv in the Hope and Healing Center of Save Ukraine, awaiting more permanent housing, or in Hansen Village, a new charitable housing development where they may live rent-free for 5 years. Some of the children are still terrified upon hearing the air raid sirens that are all too frequent.— Phil Buehler, Artist
Diana, age 7, Kyrylo age 15
Their home in the Kherson region was destroyed when Russian forces shelled their village and demolished the Kakhovka Dam. Forced to relocate, Diana and Kyrylo moved to the occupied village of Nova Mayachka. When their mother, Hanna, refused to obtain Russian passports for her children, Russian soldiers threatened their family, arriving at their home with assault rifles. Under duress, Hanna was forced to evacuate her children, leaving them in an uncertain and perilous situation.
Rostislav, age 17
From Radensk in Kherson, a town under occupation since the war’s onset, Rostislav bravely refused to renounce his Ukrainian citizenship in favor of Russian nationality. His refusal led to torture and isolation, but he ultimately escaped captivity. Rostislav later testified before the U.S. Congress and is now channeling his resilience into studying photography.
Pavlo, age 14 and Ivan, age 10
After their mother was killed in the war and without knowing their father, Pavlo and Ivan were taken in by their 21-year-old brother, Maksym, who works at a grocery store. Living under Russian occupation in Kherson, the siblings fled in March 2024. Over six harrowing days, they journeyed through Crimea, Mariupol, Russia, and Belarus before safely reentering Ukraine.
Vlada, age 3
In March 2024, three-year-old Vlada fled the Russian-occupied Kherson region with her parents, Anna and Serhii, and her 8-year-old brother, Stas. Their perilous journey took them through occupied Crimea and Russia before safely returning to Ukraine. Anna, a history and law teacher, refused to collaborate with occupying forces, endured repeated raids, and lost her job as a result. The family bravely escaped occupation, seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives in Kyiv.
Yulia, age 5
Yulia, age 5, endured the chaos of Russian-occupied Kherson with her family. Amidst the fear and uncertainty of war, her 16-year-old sister Anastasiia faced severe persecution, while their mother Olena tirelessly worked to keep them safe. In September 2024 Yulia and her family was evacuated to Kyiv by Save Ukraine, escaping the horrors of occupation.
Bohdana, age 5
Bohdana, a five-year-old from the Kherson region, endured severe hardships during the Russian occupation. Her parents, Serhii and Oksana, faced relentless threats as Russian soldiers stored ammunition inside Bohdana’s kindergarten and demanded their registration of Russian citizenship. Refusing to comply, Serhii lost his job, and Oksana suffered a second heart attack as a result of the raids. Bohdana was traumatized by the soldiers, leading to constant nightmares. With their lives under threat, they fled Russian occupation.
Tatyana, age 13 and Valery, age 10
Tatyana and Valery, along with their 17-year-old brother Mykola, are under the guardianship of their aunt. Their evacuation from the Russian-occupied Kherson region spanned six months and included a harrowing 12-day journey. Despite the prolonged ordeal, the siblings remain resilient, supported by their family as they navigate the challenges of displacement and strive for a safer future.
Hanna, age 3 weeks & Anastasia, age 17
Anastasia, a 17-year-old orphan from Kherson, lived under Russian occupation before fleeing to Kyiv in 2022. Amidst fear and chaos, she endured detention and abuse, narrowly escaping an orphanage run by Russian occupiers with the help of the Save Ukraine team. In September 2024, Anastasia gave birth to her daughter, Hanna. Now a dedicated cooking student with dreams of becoming an artist and designer, Anastasia is rebuilding her life and fostering hope for her family’s future.
Painting by an unknown child
Found in a bombed-out apartment in Borodyanka, Ukraine.
About Phil Buehler
An American photographer and artist with no familial ties to Ukraine. Understanding that this is a tragedy that moves everyone, he traveled to Ukraine this past September to bring back their stories before the 2024 Presidential Election.
These charitable groups supported this project and are helping bring back these children and restore their lives. Please contribute to their efforts to return these children to their families.
Support Children in Ukraine
Bird of Light Ukraine supports Ukrainian children freed from Russian captivity and is piloting childcare reforms to transition disabled children from institutions to family-based care. We endeavor to bring light into the darkest places in the darkest times.
Bring Kids Back UA is an initiative by Ukrainian President Zelensky to identify and locate these children, raise international awareness and rally support to pressure Russia to return these children. IG: @bringkidsback_ua
Save Ukraine works to rescue children and families affected by the war, providing a safe haven for those returning from Russia and frontline combat zones.
Ukraine Child Rights Network was established to consolidate efforts and improve coordination among civil society organizations in Ukraine, enhancing their influence on state child care policy.