Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov's journey from Russian disillusionment to becoming informants for Ukraine highlights personal convictions amidst a geopolitical storm.
**Russian Couple Becomes Informants for Ukraine Amidst Crisis**
**Russian Couple Becomes Informants for Ukraine Amidst Crisis**
A tale of defiance: the Voronkovs find purpose in chaos.
Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov, disenchanted with their lives in Russia under President Vladimir Putin's regime, decided to move to Ukraine following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Originally from Moscow, Tatyana had links to Ukraine, being born there, and both sought tranquility in the village of Novolyubymivka in the Zaporizhzhia region after relocating in 2019. This peaceful existence was uprooted when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As their village fell under occupation, the couple made the decision to assist the Ukrainian forces by becoming informants, sharing crucial intel about Russian military positions.
The couple's mission began when Tatyana noticed a Russian military convoy passing their home and quickly contacted a friend in Kyiv for assistance. This connection ultimately led to them providing strategic information about Russian military hardware and convoy locations to Ukraine's security services. Tatyana has stated, "We didn’t think of it as treason," emphasizing their belief that they were combating "evil" rather than betraying their homeland.
However, their efforts to assist Ukraine came with dire consequences. In April 2024, Sergei was detained by the FSB while shopping. His interrogation was brutal; he was confined to a small pit and threatened with violence. Despite initially denying any wrongdoing, he eventually confessed under duress, fearing for his safety and the safety of his loved ones.
Tatyana, meanwhile, was tirelessly searching for him, contacting hospitals and authorities until she was informed of his detention. Following his release after 37 harrowing days, the couple believed they remained under surveillance and felt compelled to flee Russia for their safety. They sought help from human rights activists, sold their belongings, and devised a plan to return to Russia to secure Sergei a new passport.
Their escape was fraught with tension, using a fabricated story about a beach outing to avoid suspicion. Eventually, they managed to cross into Lithuania, though Sergei was later apprehended for holding a forged passport. Being processed as asylum seekers, the couple has received a letter of thanks from the Ukrainian army to support their application.
Despite their connection to Russia, deep divides have formed within their family due to their choices, especially with their son, who remains in Russia, and Sergei’s mother, who supports the current regime. The Voronkovs stand firm on their decision to never return to Russia unless it radically changes for the better. "For now, I see nothing human there," Sergei expressed, highlighting their predicament and resolve amid an ongoing crisis.
