The Voronkovs, a Russian couple deeply troubled by the political climate in their homeland, made a life-altering decision following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Disillusioned by President Vladimir Putin's regime, they moved to Kyiv, where Tatyana was born, seeking a quieter existence. By 2019, they had settled in Novolyubymivka, a tranquil village in the Zaporizhzhia region, adopting dogs and raising livestock. Unfortunately, their peaceful life was shattered when the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
When firsthand witnessing the chaos of war, Tatyana and Sergei felt compelled to act. After spotting a Russian military convoy, Tatyana contacted a friend in Kyiv, who connected them to Ukraine's security services. They became informants, providing crucial intelligence on Russian troop movements and equipment. Tatyana and Sergei firmly believed their actions were not treasonous but a fight against evil. Over two years, they shared valuable information, all while living under surveillance and fearing for their lives.
Their dangerous venture escalated when Sergei was detained in 2024 while shopping. He endured brutal interrogation, where he was pressured to confess his role as an informant. Tatyana, desperate for answers, searched tirelessly for him. After 37 exhausting days, Sergei was unexpectedly released, although their lives remained in peril. With mounting threats and uncertainty, the couple orchestrated an elaborate escape plan.
Relying on the assistance of neighbors, they returned to Russia to secure a new passport for Sergei. With a fabricated story about a beach trip, they evaded checkpoints to make their way back. Ultimately, they entered Belarus and then traveled to Lithuania using a forged passport. Though they faced legal ramifications in Lithuania, where Sergei was prosecuted for document fraud, the couple is now safe in an asylum shelter and hopeful for the future.
The Voronkovs' courageous choice as informants caused rifts within their family back in Russia, but they remain resolute in their refusal to return to a regime they deem inhumane. Their story exemplifies the personal costs of standing against oppression and the hope for a better tomorrow amidst chaos and conflict.
When firsthand witnessing the chaos of war, Tatyana and Sergei felt compelled to act. After spotting a Russian military convoy, Tatyana contacted a friend in Kyiv, who connected them to Ukraine's security services. They became informants, providing crucial intelligence on Russian troop movements and equipment. Tatyana and Sergei firmly believed their actions were not treasonous but a fight against evil. Over two years, they shared valuable information, all while living under surveillance and fearing for their lives.
Their dangerous venture escalated when Sergei was detained in 2024 while shopping. He endured brutal interrogation, where he was pressured to confess his role as an informant. Tatyana, desperate for answers, searched tirelessly for him. After 37 exhausting days, Sergei was unexpectedly released, although their lives remained in peril. With mounting threats and uncertainty, the couple orchestrated an elaborate escape plan.
Relying on the assistance of neighbors, they returned to Russia to secure a new passport for Sergei. With a fabricated story about a beach trip, they evaded checkpoints to make their way back. Ultimately, they entered Belarus and then traveled to Lithuania using a forged passport. Though they faced legal ramifications in Lithuania, where Sergei was prosecuted for document fraud, the couple is now safe in an asylum shelter and hopeful for the future.
The Voronkovs' courageous choice as informants caused rifts within their family back in Russia, but they remain resolute in their refusal to return to a regime they deem inhumane. Their story exemplifies the personal costs of standing against oppression and the hope for a better tomorrow amidst chaos and conflict.
