Escaping Occupation: A Tale of Resilience and Hope

The Shocking Awakening

Anastasiia vividly remembers waking up in shock and disbelief at five in the morning on the 24th of February 2022. The news of Russian tanks rolling in from occupied Crimea sent waves of fear through her as she realized the severity of the situation unfolding.

Living in Fear and Uncertainty

As Kherson fell under Russian occupation, Anastasiia, her husband, and young daughter found themselves trapped in a city gripped by chaos and scarcity. The lack of access to food and information, combined with the constant threat of violence, made everyday life a harrowing ordeal.

Resilience and Resistance

Despite the oppressive conditions, Anastasiia and fellow residents of Kherson bravely took to the streets to protest the occupation, displaying acts of defiance and unity. The ‘Yellow Ribbon’ movement emerged as a symbol of resistance, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of occupation.

A Perilous Journey to Freedom

Determined to secure a better future for her family, Anastasiia made the courageous decision to escape Kherson with her loved ones. The journey to safety was fraught with danger, as they navigated through Russian checkpoints and faced the looming threat of violence at every turn.

Despite the risks, Anastasiia’s family eventually reached the final checkpoint, where they were met with a daunting queue of vehicles. Through perseverance and a stroke of luck, they were granted passage to freedom, marking the end of their ordeal under occupation.