Local Russians threatened the Fedorchenko family from the Kherson region, saying, ‘ Such “waiters” like you will be shot or deported.’ They called them ‘waiters’ because Tetiana and her husband Raj were doing everything they could to avoid taking Russian citizenship and sending their daughter and grandchildren to a Russian school.

Enduring more than a year and a half of occupation, the family faced hunger, rocket attacks, and the oppressive rule of the Russian regime. Every day, soldiers patrolled their streets with sudden raids into the homes of locals. Then 10 Russians settled right next to their house, keeping them in constant worry and fear. However, the most terrifying events were yet to come.

One day in July, Tetiana was walking down the street when a group of Russian soldiers confronted her neighbor and his friends. A police officer approached her, saying, “You must comply with the laws of the Russian Federation. You’ll be a witness in this case.” Otherwise, they threatened her with death. Raj started guiding his wife into the yard when, suddenly, the Russians pointed their guns at him. They fired twice into the air, keeping Raj under threat. Tetiana persuaded her husband to go inside and allow her to provide testimony, understanding that their lives depended on it.

Later, four Buriats visited the Fedorchenko family home, checking documents and questioning them due to the absence of Russian passports. On that day, the family provided excuses about financial difficulties and other issues. The Russians then inquired about the whereabouts of other family members from the woman, her husband, their daughter-in-law, and grandfather. Tetiana mentioned that the “boys are over there,” and the occupiers instructed them to come out. As the grandchildren started to come out, thе soldies suddenly reloaded their rifles. Frightened, Tetiana explained that they referred to the children as “boys”.

Following this incident, 6-year-old Tymur developed a strong fear and stuttered when he saw Russian soldiers and their vehicles, while 14-year-old Svitlana crying immediately exclaimed, “Granny, Z-vehicles are coming!” However, the occupiers didn’t leave the Fedorchenko children in peace. The next time, they threatened to take the children away through social services if the parents didn’t enroll them in Russian schools and kindergartens. This compelled the family to urgently find a way to leave their home after enduring one and a half years of occupation. As the family crossed the Ukrainian border, 3-year-old Petro continuously shouted, “Glory to Ukraine!”

Currently, the Fedorchenko family have been residing at our “Hope and Healing” center in Kyiv for almost four months, receiving extensive support. The Save Ukraine specialists have offered psychological assistance to both adults and children, and volunteers are actively tackling pressing issues for the family in the new city. Tetiana emotionally expresses, “Without this center, my family and I might have faced hunger somewhere on the street”.

Now Russians inhabit the Fedorchenko family’s house in Kherson. However, the family don’t regret their decision and believe that one day, they will return to their homeland. Meanwhile, with our support, they are adapting to new realities and building their lives as far away as possible from Russian oppression.