Fear, violence and forced conscription drive Ukrainian teens to leave occupied towns
From: Euromaiden Press BY CHRISTINE CHRAIBI
Fear, deprivation, and threat of violence or conscription into the Russian army drive Ukrainian teens living in the occupied territories to leave their homes.
This reality is shared by many Ukrainian teens living in territories under Russian control. The NGO Almenda reports over 615,000 school-age children in these territories facing dire circumstances. Authorities mobilize boys into the Russian army, send teens to “military-patriotic camps” for “re-education,” and give children to Russian families for adoption. Human rights activists have documented cases of teenagers being captured, intimidated, tortured, and killed.
“There may not be a tomorrow,” says Vitalii, a 16-year-old from Kherson Oblast. His perspective was shaped in a pit filled with pork entrails, which Russian forces threw him during the occupation. Anna, 18, lived under occupation for a decade, learning “not to talk or ask unnecessary questions.” Now in Norway, 16-year-old Inna remains in “survival mode,” as she did under occupation. Evelin, exposed to Russian propaganda for ten years, chose Ukraine but is adjusting to never re-visiting her hometown.
Some teens have left for government-controlled areas or abroad; others await liberation. Those remaining cannot share their stories without risking their lives and safety. These accounts offer a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by Ukraine’s youth under Russian rule.
Evelin’s journey from occupied Donetsk to Kyiv
Evelin Biankpin Akassi, 18, was born and raised in Donetsk and was eight when Russian forces occupied the city. A year ago, she left for Kyiv and is now studying at Vernadsky Tauride National University, which relocated from Crimea in 2015.
Voice of Ukraine 