**From Disillusionment to Defiance: A Russian Couple's Journey as Ukrainian Informants**

Their story reveals personal sacrifice and the complex morality of war amidst rising tensions.

In 2014, Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov's disillusionment with the Russian government reached a tipping point when they relocated to Ukraine after Russia's annexation of Crimea. The couple, both Russian citizens, had long criticized Vladimir Putin and the actions of their homeland, receiving backlash from those around them that if they were unhappy with Russia, they should leave.

Settling in Novolyubymivka, a small village in southern Ukraine, they aspired to lead peaceful lives with their pets and livestock. However, the tranquility of their existence was upended in February 2022 when the Russian military crossed into Ukraine, bringing war to their doorstep. Tatyana vividly recalls the shock of witnessing rockets flying overhead as Russian airstrikes devastated cities like Kyiv.

Faced with the grim reality of occupation, the Voronkovs made what they felt was an ethical choice: they became informants for the Ukrainian military. They provided crucial information about Russian troop movements and military assets, which Tatyana maintained through discreet communications despite the danger involved. The couple did not view their actions as treason; rather, they saw it as a fight against oppression.

However, their efforts led them into a dark chapter when Sergei was detained in 2024 while out shopping. Captured by armed personnel, he endured severe interrogations in a makeshift cold pit, where he was coerced into confessing to his role in aiding Ukraine following several days of psychological and physical pressure. During this time, Tatyana worked tirelessly to locate him, even as security forces rummaged through their home and confiscated hidden money.

After 37 harrowing days, Sergei was unexpectedly released, leaving the couple bewildered about the sudden shift in their fates. Their lives continued under constant surveillance, propelling them towards a desperate escape plan to Lithuania, which required returning to Russia to retrieve identification for Sergei.

In a dangerous charade, they attempted to pass through Russian checkpoints, only to face denial at first. Gaining entry eventually, they manipulated the situation to their advantage, only to find themselves entangled once more with governmental scrutiny as they utilized a fake passport to enter Lithuania. Although caught, Sergei's offense led to legal proceedings rather than deportation.

Now residing in an asylum shelter in Lithuania, the Voronkovs have received a letter of commendation from the Ukrainian army for their bravery, which aids them in their asylum application. Yet, their actions have led to a painful estrangement from family members back in Russia, including their son, who turned against them after learning of their role as informants.

Despite the rifts and challenges they've faced, Serena and Tatyana remain firm in their stance against returning to Russia, firm in their belief that they will not return until there is fundamental change. The Voronkovs' story is one of personal sacrifice amid the greater turmoil of war, underscoring the complex ethical dilemmas faced by citizens caught in the crossfire of conflict.