Living in Kherson, Anastasiia experienced the horror of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine while preparing for the birth of her second child. When Russian tanks rolled in, she decided to take the risk and flee the city to avoid living under occupation. Initially, she believed that the Russian forces would turn around, but Kherson was eventually occupied, plunging her family into chaos and fear.
Anastasiia recalls the scarcity of food and supplies in the first few weeks of the occupation, with people resorting to looting supermarkets out of desperation. Ukrainian SIM cards stopped working, cutting off communication with the rest of the country and leaving residents in the dark regarding the situation in Kyiv. Despite the challenges, residents took to the streets to protest the occupation, displaying signs and Ukrainian flags as acts of resistance.
The ‘Yellow Ribbon’ movement emerged as a subtle way for people to show resistance and solidarity in Russian-occupied territories. However, those caught participating in the movement faced severe repercussions from Russian-controlled authorities, including imprisonment on fabricated charges. The suppression of opposition to the occupation was part of Russia’s broader efforts to stifle Ukrainian resistance.
Living under constant fear in the occupied city, Anastasiia gave birth to her second child under terrifying conditions. The threat of Russian forces loomed over her family, pushing her to make the decision to flee Kherson. Despite the risks of crossing Russian checkpoints, Anastasiia embarked on a dangerous journey with her family, eventually reaching safety in Ukraine after facing numerous obstacles.
Anastasiia’s experience highlights the profound impact of the war on Ukrainian civilians and the challenges they face under Russian occupation. The cultural and historical identity of Ukraine is at risk as Russians target cultural figures and attempt to erase Ukrainian culture. The need to preserve Ukrainian identity and resist Russian influence remains crucial for the future of the country.
As the conflict continues, Ukrainians like Anastasiia remain in fear and uncertainty, even after leaving the occupied territories. The unpredictable nature of Russian terror instills a constant sense of danger, leading many to question calls for negotiations and the freezing of the war. For Anastasiia, reclaiming her Ukrainian identity and resisting Russian influence are essential steps towards ensuring a better future for her children and the country as a whole.
