Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov, disillusioned by the political climate in Russia, relocated to Ukraine and transformed from ordinary citizens to informants for the Ukrainian military. After enduring a harrowing experience of detention and escape, the couple now seeks asylum in Lithuania, grappling with the impact of their actions on their family ties back in Russia.
A Russian Couple's Journey: From Disillusionment to Informants in Ukraine
A Russian Couple's Journey: From Disillusionment to Informants in Ukraine
Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov leave Russia amid disillusionment and become informants for Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, risking their lives and relationships.
In 2014, amid rising discontent with Vladimir Putin's regime, Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov left Russia for Ukraine, where Tatyana had been born. They settled in Novolyubymivka, cultivating a peaceful life with pets and livestock until the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted their tranquility. Faced with the reality of war as rockets flew overhead, the couple made a pivotal decision to become informants for the Ukrainian government.
Tatyana’s urgency to help grew stronger after witnessing a Russian military convoy near their home. Using contacts in Kyiv, the couple began relaying intelligence on Russian military positions, believing they were engaging in a righteous cause. Despite not perceiving their actions as treason, they were aware of the dangers involved.
Sergei gathered crucial intelligence for up to two years, with Tatyana securely transmitting the information as the couple constantly navigated network access challenges. This covert operation faced a reckoning when Sergei was detained by Russian security forces in April 2024, leading to days of torture that culminated in a forced confession. Tatyana desperately searched for him, only to learn he was in the clutches of the FSB.
After 37 grueling days, Sergei was unexpectedly released, yet suspicions remained that they were under surveillance in their village. Fearing for their safety, they planned a daring escape to Lithuania, despite the obstacles posed by the Russian authorities. Employing a cover story and eventually resorting to a forged passport, they made their way to Belarus and then Lithuania. Although Sergei faced legal repercussions for using counterfeit documentation, their hope lies in starting anew as asylum seekers.
The couple's actions have shattered family ties; their son in Russia has stopped communicating with them, and Sergei's elderly mother remains supportive of the war effort. Though they have faced adversity and loss, Sergei and Tatyana remain firm in their stance against returning to Russia until there is a fundamental shift in the country's approach to its citizens.
Tatyana’s urgency to help grew stronger after witnessing a Russian military convoy near their home. Using contacts in Kyiv, the couple began relaying intelligence on Russian military positions, believing they were engaging in a righteous cause. Despite not perceiving their actions as treason, they were aware of the dangers involved.
Sergei gathered crucial intelligence for up to two years, with Tatyana securely transmitting the information as the couple constantly navigated network access challenges. This covert operation faced a reckoning when Sergei was detained by Russian security forces in April 2024, leading to days of torture that culminated in a forced confession. Tatyana desperately searched for him, only to learn he was in the clutches of the FSB.
After 37 grueling days, Sergei was unexpectedly released, yet suspicions remained that they were under surveillance in their village. Fearing for their safety, they planned a daring escape to Lithuania, despite the obstacles posed by the Russian authorities. Employing a cover story and eventually resorting to a forged passport, they made their way to Belarus and then Lithuania. Although Sergei faced legal repercussions for using counterfeit documentation, their hope lies in starting anew as asylum seekers.
The couple's actions have shattered family ties; their son in Russia has stopped communicating with them, and Sergei's elderly mother remains supportive of the war effort. Though they have faced adversity and loss, Sergei and Tatyana remain firm in their stance against returning to Russia until there is a fundamental shift in the country's approach to its citizens.
