"From Disillusionment to Defiance: The Journey of a Russian Couple Who Became Ukrainian Informants"

Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov, disillusioned by Russia's actions, relocated to Ukraine, only to become informants after the Russian invasion. Their journey involves danger, betrayal, and a desperate escape to freedom, culminating in a letter of thanks from the Ukrainian army.

Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov had long felt disheartened by the political climate in Russia, prompting their departure to Ukraine shortly after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Criticizing President Vladimir Putin's regime, they faced advice from friends that they could leave if they disapproved. Eventually, they settled in the small village of Novolyubymivka in Zaporizhzhia, where they sought tranquility, surrounded by nature and animals, until the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022 altered their lives abruptly.

As warnings of impending attacks grew, Tatyana observed Russian military convoys near their home, prompting her to reach out to a contact in Kyiv. The couple then began to act as informants for Ukrainian forces. "We didn't think of it as treason," Tatyana emphasized, asserting they shared information only about military units posing threats, not civilians.

Despite their intentions, the risks for the couple escalated when Sergei was detained by Russian authorities in April 2024. During his captivation, he endured harsh interrogations and threats while Tatyana tirelessly searched for him, fearing for his safety and grappling with uncertainty. His eventual release followed by increased surveillance and suspicion from their neighbors led them to devise a plan to flee to Lithuania for asylum.

Their escape was fraught with complexities, involving concocted stories to evade Russian scrutiny and navigating border control challenges, including using a fake passport. After triumphantly crossing into Lithuania, their temporary relief was overshadowed by Sergei's prosecution for document forgery, yet recognition from the Ukrainian military for their intelligence work gave them a sense of validation.

Now residing in an asylum shelter, the Voronkovs' actions have driven a wedge in their relationships back home. Their son, still in Russia, has ceased all communications due to their choices, while Sergei's elderly mother remains staunchly supportive of the war. Nevertheless, the couple remains resolute in their decision to reject a return to Russia under its current regime, hoping for a time of change and compassion. "Only if it starts showing some humanity," Sergei asserts, reflecting their journey from loyal citizens to courageous whistleblowers amidst an ongoing conflict.