Fortunately, during their time underground, nothing harmful happened to the children. They were returned to their families. Yesterday around 5 PM, a resident of Odessa reported her 13-year-old son missing to the emergency line 102. Police officers immediately began searching. After interviewing relatives and friends of the boy, juvenile police learned that he planned to visit the catacombs with a friend.
Involving dog handlers, emergency services, and spelunkers, the search efforts yielded results in less than an hour. The authorities found the children 300 meters from the catacomb exit. Besides the two boys known to the searchers, there were two more young acquaintances with them.
The boys explained that they wanted to explore the Odessa catacombs but did not inform their parents. They lost contact with them right after descending into the underground world.
Juvenile prevention officers held a discussion with the teenagers and their parents to prevent similar situations in the future. None of them had previously come to the attention of the police. 
Regarding the adults, the police filed reports under part 1 of article 184 of the Code of Ukraine on administrative offenses, which pertains to parental neglect of duties. The sanctions include warnings or fines up to 1700 UAH. The administrative materials will be forwarded to court.

“We were very worried about the children, as it's easy to get lost in the catacombs. Given that the temperature there is much lower than on the surface, it poses significant danger. Fortunately, the teenagers were found quickly, they were unharmed and returned home safe,” commented Alina Khimich, senior inspector of the juvenile prevention sector of Odessa police.

The police urge both children and adults not to descend into the catacombs without experienced spelunkers. The catacombs are extensive, easily disorienting, have no signal, and are very cold, creating a deadly risk.