Escaping Treason: The Voronkovs' Journey from Russia to Ukraine

The Voronkovs, a Russian couple, left their homeland for Ukraine, disillusioned by President Putin's regime. As war erupted, they became informants for Ukraine, ultimately leading to detention and a perilous escape across borders in search of asylum.

Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov, long critical of the Russian government, fled their country in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea, seeking a peaceful life in Ukraine, Tatyana's birthplace. Their hopes for tranquility were shattered with the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Finding themselves in occupied territory, they decided to alert Ukraine to Russian military movements, viewing their actions as a stand against tyranny rather than treason.

Initially, Tatyana reached out to a contact in Kyiv for help. They began relaying critical information about Russian troop locations via a secure Telegram channel, believing they were aiding the fight against oppression. "We didn't think of it as treason," Tatyana explained, emphasizing their conviction that their intelligence didn't harm civilians.

However, their covert operations ended when Sergei was detained during a routine grocery trip in April 2024. Following intense interrogation, where he endured threats and physical discomfort, he reluctantly confessed to his role. Meanwhile, Tatyana was frantic, searching for signs of him while concerned for the safety of their family. Eventually, Sergei was released after 37 days, though they remained under scrutiny, fearing retribution.

To flee, the couple sought guidance from human rights advocates and plotted to return to Russia to obtain a new passport for Sergei. Local acquaintances supported their plan by purchasing their possessions. Under the guise of a beach trip to accommodate Tatyana's asthma, they traveled to Russia, managing to cross despite initial denials of entry. After encountering obstacles, including a failed attempt to escape via Belarus, Sergei acquired a fake passport through underground channels to eventually reach Lithuania.

In Lithuania, despite facing legal troubles for using counterfeit documents, the couple found refuge in an asylum seekers' shelter. The Ukrainian military, acknowledging their bravery, sent a letter of gratitude to assist in their asylum application. Despite the personal toll their choices have taken—straining family ties with a son in Russia and an elderly mother supportive of Putin—the Voronkovs remain resolute in their decision never to return to their homeland until conditions improve.

"Only if it starts showing some humanity," Sergei insists, reflecting on the political climate in Russia today. Their story highlights the complex web of loyalty and morality in the context of war, illustrating the human cost of defiance against authoritarianism.