A Ukrainian Refuge: The Voronkovs’ Journey from Disillusionment to Resistance

After relocating to Ukraine to escape their disillusionment with Russia, Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov became critical informants against the Russian military during the Ukraine conflict, leading to personal peril and a quest for asylum in Lithuania.

Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov's story begins with a decision to leave Russia, propelled by their dissent against Vladimir Putin's regime. Their move to Ukraine in 2014, sparked by the annexation of Crimea, was intended for a peaceful life. However, the tranquility of their new home was disrupted when Russia escalated its military operations in February 2022.

Caught in the turmoil, the Voronkovs resolved to gather intelligence for Ukraine, seeing their actions as a moral duty rather than treason. Through encrypted messages, they relayed critical information about Russian military movements. Tatyana reached out to a contact in Kyiv, leading to a covert collaboration that would put them in danger.

Sergei's capture came as a shock; while shopping for seeds, armed men detained him, leading to days of torture and interrogation in an underground pit. Despite the stress of not knowing his fate, Tatyana endured a desperate search for information about her husband's location while her son contacted authorities in Russia. After a harrowing 37 days, Sergei was unexpectedly released without clarity regarding the decision.

Once reunited, the Voronkovs felt the shadow of danger looming large, convinced they were under surveillance. Planning their escape, they devised a cover story to enter Russia without arousing suspicion to obtain a new passport for Sergei. Despite hurdles, including scrapes with the law, they ultimately secured passage to Lithuania.

Currently residing in an asylum shelter, the couple is navigating the emotional fallout of their choices. Their actions have strained relationships with family members in Russia, who view their decision to oppose the regime unfavorably. Despite the personal cost, Sergei and Tatyana are unwavering in their commitment to their new life away from the government they once knew, asserting they will not return to Russia unless it shows a shift towards humanity.