When Russian citizens Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov decided to leave their homeland in 2014, it was propelled by their discontent with the government's increasing aggression, particularly after the annexation of Crimea. Having openly criticized Vladimir Putin and his regime, they were often told by friends that if they did not like Russia, they could simply leave. This eventually led the couple to relocate to Ukraine, where Tatyana was born, with aspirations of a more peaceful life.
They settled in a small village in Zaporizhzhia and found a semblance of normalcy until the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 shattered their hopes. With Russian rockets flying overhead, the couple recognized their new reality as an occupied territory. Opting for defiance rather than despair, they decided to act as informants for Ukraine.
Tatyana's decision to assist the Ukrainian defense came when she spotted a Russian military convoy near their home. After reaching out to a contact in Kyiv, the couple began reporting on Russian military movements. Over two years, Sergei gathered crucial intelligence while Tatyana transmitted information discreetly, ensuring to erase any traces of their communications. "We didn't think of it as treason," Tatyana insisted, emphasizing their view that they were battling evil rather than attacking their homeland.
However, their covert operation came to a halt in April 2024 when Sergei was detained by armed men during a routine outing. He endured a grueling interrogation process at the hands of the FSB, where he was forced to confess under duress. As Sergei faced threats and abuse, Tatyana was left frantically searching for information on his fate, even as their home was searched by authorities who unearthed their hidden savings.
In an unexpected twist, Sergei was released after 37 days in captivity, but as fears for their safety grew, the couple began planning a precarious escape from their home. With the assistance of their sympathetic neighbors, they devised a plan to return to Russia to obtain a new passport for Sergei. Their exit plan included a cover story about needing fresh air due to Tatyana's asthma.
Despite initial denials at the border, they managed to enter Russia and acquire fake documentation that allowed them to ultimately reach Lithuania. While Sergei faced legal ramifications for his forged passport, the couple now resides in a shelter for asylum seekers, with hopes for a fresh start within the European Union.
Their actions have not only put them in jeopardy but have also caused significant rifts with family members in Russia. Their son has distanced himself after learning of their choices, and Sergei's mother remains supportive of the war. Yet, despite the personal costs, the Voronkovs remain resolute in their decision not to return to Russia until its humanitarian situation improves, echoing a powerful sentiment against oppression and conflict.
