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Unseen Journeys: The Struggles of Ukrainians Escaping Occupation
Stefan Vorontsov, a dedicated volunteer, is on a mission to assist those trying to flee Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. Vorontsov’s organization, known as Humanity, has been pivotal in aiding over 6,000 individuals escape the harsh realities of war in southern and eastern Ukraine.
In an interview, Vorontsov shared the harrowing experiences faced by evacuees, highlighting the border checkpoints as the most challenging aspect of the journey. Ukrainians fleeing occupation often endure extensive interrogations, sometimes lasting up to six hours.
Navigating Through Danger
For those in occupied regions, the only escape route leads directly through Russia. With frontlines too perilous to traverse, evacuees are left with few options: either through Crimea or Rostov-on-Don, both of which feature heavily scrutinized border crossings.
Vorontsov emphasized that Russian border authorities are relentless, seeking out pro-Ukrainian sympathizers and punishing anyone with connections to the Ukrainian fight. A misstep can lead to severe consequences, including arrest.
When someone reaches out for help, Vorontsov’s team provides a “legend”—a fabricated narrative to explain their need to enter Russia. This story often includes benign reasons such as seeking medical attention or visiting the beach, providing a façade that conceals their true intentions.
Individuals from different regions adopt unique approaches, with those in Kherson often attempting to flee through Crimea, while residents of Mariupol prefer the Rostov route. Vorontsov noted that travel restrictions in Donetsk and Luhansk are less stringent, resulting in less demand for assistance in those areas.
Evacuating younger men poses an even greater challenge, particularly for those flagged due to their online activities. Vorontsov stated the importance of creating a solid legend for these individuals, whose digital traces might give them away.
The Intense Scrutiny at the Checkpoint
The decision to leave one’s home is not taken lightly, as many Ukrainians face significant obstacles, including illness or family obligations. Vorontsov pointed out that overcoming the initial emotional hurdle is often 95% of successful evacuation.
A crucial part of the preparation is cleaning one’s digital footprint. Russian authorities conduct thorough checks at the border where they examine evacuees’ phones and scrutinize their online activities. Vorontsov warned that any association with Ukrainian identity could land an individual in jeopardy.
Evacuees can expect extensive questioning about their social media usage and must be prepared to explain any pro-Ukrainian sentiments, with even seemingly innocuous items like contacts, maps, and photos potentially raising suspicion.
Vorontsov’s advice often includes obfuscating their actual views by following pro-Russian content online, in an effort to mask any pro-Ukraine evidence that could lead to detention at the checkpoint.
Coordinating Safe Passage
Humanity provides essential support for individuals wanting to escape, organizing transportation and offering financial assistance for meals and lodging as needed. However, they face stiff competition from Russian transport services that prey on desperation, often charging exorbitant fees compared to the modest prices Humanity can afford.
Upon arrival at the border, evacuees encounter interviewers trained to provoke and unsettle them, aiming to reveal any latent support for Ukraine. Thus, maintaining composure and adhering to the predetermined narrative becomes critical.
The potential consequences of failing the border interview range from being trapped in occupied territory to imprisonment, with some citizens vanishing without a trace during these dangerous crossings.
As the nature of evacuations has evolved since the onset of the conflict, new regulations have made the process more arduous. As of January 2024, all Ukrainians are mandated to secure a Russian passport, complicating their efforts and exposing younger males to recruitment pressures for the Russian military.
If evacuees successfully navigate these hurdles, they can make their way to Moscow, where opportunities arise to travel onward to Belarus or Europe, ultimately reaching safety.
Vorontsov’s own journey to safety was fraught with challenges, requiring lengthy interviews at multiple checkpoints. Now based in Western Europe, he continues to coordinate rescue efforts for those in need.
Humanity operates entirely on donations, and in 2024 alone, they facilitated evacuations for 360 individuals, including many vulnerable groups. Vorontsov’s work is driven by a profound commitment to preserving the lives and dignity of the Ukrainian people amid ongoing turmoil.
Read the original article on Business Insider
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