Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov’s story highlights their harrowing journey from disillusioned Russian citizens to vital informants for Ukraine. After relocating to Ukraine post-Crimea annexation, the couple's peaceful life was shattered by Russia's invasion, prompting their covert collaboration with Ukrainian forces. Facing dire consequences, including Sergei's detention and subsequent escape, the Voronkovs have navigated the complexities of loyalty, family estrangement, and their quest for asylum in Lithuania.
Russian Couple's Risky Journey: From Informants to Refugees in Ukraine
Russian Couple's Risky Journey: From Informants to Refugees in Ukraine
A tale of defiance as a couple turns informants for Ukraine amidst war-torn Russia
The article text:
Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov had long been disillusioned with modern Russia when they decided to move to Ukraine. It was shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 that the couple made the decision to leave Russia. Both critical of Vladimir Putin, the Voronkovs had voiced their dissatisfaction to friends and acquaintances, who responded that they could leave if they didn't like it. This prompted Sergei, 55, and Tatyana, 52, both Russian citizens, to relocate to Ukraine, where Tatyana was born.
By 2019, they settled in Novolyubymivka, a small village in the southeast Zaporizhzhia region. They acquired four dogs and started raising livestock, while Sergei returned to work as a land surveyor, a trade he had learned during his service in the Soviet army. They hoped for a tranquil existence. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 shattered their peace as rockets flew over their home.
"I heard something whistling, something flying, and I went outside," Tatyana recalls. "A rocket was flying right over the house." She quickly searched online and found news that Kyiv had been bombed. The couple soon found themselves in occupied territory and decided to become informants for Ukraine. Their decision sparked a perilous journey of detention, an escape into Europe, and ultimately a letter of gratitude from the Ukrainian army.
Tatyana acted swiftly when a Russian military convoy passed their home. She messaged an acquaintance in Kyiv, who put her in touch with someone in Ukraine's security services. They were instructed to provide vital information on Russian military positions, particularly concerning missile systems and tanks. "We didn't think of it as treason," Tatyana defended. "Nobody attacked Russia. This was a fight against evil."
For two years, Sergei gathered military coordinates, while Tatyana transmitted the information, eliminating any trace of the messages afterwards. Their covert operation ended abruptly when Sergei was detained in April 2024 while shopping for gardening seeds in Tokmak. During his interrogation, he faced threats and was held in a cold basement pit before ultimately confessing to collaborating with Ukrainian forces.
While Sergei was imprisoned, Tatyana desperately sought information, calling hospitals and searching the area. Ten days after his arrest, authorities dug up a hidden sum of money from their garden during a search of their property. Following 37 days in captivity, Sergei was unexpectedly released, although his documents were confiscated, leaving him puzzled about the reasons behind his release.
In the aftermath, the couple suspected they were under surveillance and faced increasing pressure. Determined to flee, they consulted human rights activists and hatched a plan to escape to Lithuania. They sold their possessions with help from neighbors, even finding new homes for their dogs before setting off on their journey.
Implementing a carefully crafted cover story about needing fresh air for Tatyana's asthma, they traveled in their car, fearing arrest. Initially denied entry into Russia, they eventually succeeded and navigated the complex process of obtaining a new passport. A failed attempt to flee through Belarus led Sergei to purchase a fake passport from Telegram.
Their escape involved crossing into Lithuania, where Sergei faced legal consequences for using the forged document. The couple now resides in a shelter for asylum seekers, awaiting their chance to settle. They received a letter of thanks from the Ukrainian army, which will support their application for asylum. However, their actions have strained family relationships, leading to estrangement from their son in Russia, while Sergei's supportive mother remains in Russia.
Despite the rift, the Voronkovs stand firm in their decision. "Only if it starts showing some humanity," says Sergei about returning. "For now, I see nothing human there."
Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov had long been disillusioned with modern Russia when they decided to move to Ukraine. It was shortly after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 that the couple made the decision to leave Russia. Both critical of Vladimir Putin, the Voronkovs had voiced their dissatisfaction to friends and acquaintances, who responded that they could leave if they didn't like it. This prompted Sergei, 55, and Tatyana, 52, both Russian citizens, to relocate to Ukraine, where Tatyana was born.
By 2019, they settled in Novolyubymivka, a small village in the southeast Zaporizhzhia region. They acquired four dogs and started raising livestock, while Sergei returned to work as a land surveyor, a trade he had learned during his service in the Soviet army. They hoped for a tranquil existence. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 shattered their peace as rockets flew over their home.
"I heard something whistling, something flying, and I went outside," Tatyana recalls. "A rocket was flying right over the house." She quickly searched online and found news that Kyiv had been bombed. The couple soon found themselves in occupied territory and decided to become informants for Ukraine. Their decision sparked a perilous journey of detention, an escape into Europe, and ultimately a letter of gratitude from the Ukrainian army.
Tatyana acted swiftly when a Russian military convoy passed their home. She messaged an acquaintance in Kyiv, who put her in touch with someone in Ukraine's security services. They were instructed to provide vital information on Russian military positions, particularly concerning missile systems and tanks. "We didn't think of it as treason," Tatyana defended. "Nobody attacked Russia. This was a fight against evil."
For two years, Sergei gathered military coordinates, while Tatyana transmitted the information, eliminating any trace of the messages afterwards. Their covert operation ended abruptly when Sergei was detained in April 2024 while shopping for gardening seeds in Tokmak. During his interrogation, he faced threats and was held in a cold basement pit before ultimately confessing to collaborating with Ukrainian forces.
While Sergei was imprisoned, Tatyana desperately sought information, calling hospitals and searching the area. Ten days after his arrest, authorities dug up a hidden sum of money from their garden during a search of their property. Following 37 days in captivity, Sergei was unexpectedly released, although his documents were confiscated, leaving him puzzled about the reasons behind his release.
In the aftermath, the couple suspected they were under surveillance and faced increasing pressure. Determined to flee, they consulted human rights activists and hatched a plan to escape to Lithuania. They sold their possessions with help from neighbors, even finding new homes for their dogs before setting off on their journey.
Implementing a carefully crafted cover story about needing fresh air for Tatyana's asthma, they traveled in their car, fearing arrest. Initially denied entry into Russia, they eventually succeeded and navigated the complex process of obtaining a new passport. A failed attempt to flee through Belarus led Sergei to purchase a fake passport from Telegram.
Their escape involved crossing into Lithuania, where Sergei faced legal consequences for using the forged document. The couple now resides in a shelter for asylum seekers, awaiting their chance to settle. They received a letter of thanks from the Ukrainian army, which will support their application for asylum. However, their actions have strained family relationships, leading to estrangement from their son in Russia, while Sergei's supportive mother remains in Russia.
Despite the rift, the Voronkovs stand firm in their decision. "Only if it starts showing some humanity," says Sergei about returning. "For now, I see nothing human there."
