Yevhen was 14 years old when the full-scale invasion began. He lived in the east of Ukraine, watched only Russian news, and genuinely believed that Russia truly had a reason to attack Ukraine. Not because he was a “vatnik” — he simply had no access to any other information. Propaganda and the occupation school had done their work. 

Yevhen recalls that in every classroom there stood a portrait of Putin, along with the flags of the Russian Federation and the so-called “DNR.” A teacher — a great admirer of Lenin — taught them during lessons how to assemble weapons, so that in the future they could “kill Ukrainians.” Yet Yevhen himself was nearly killed by Russian soldiers on three separate occasions. 

The first time occurred when the boy was walking home with friends in the evening and met a soldier carrying an assault rifle. “So, guys, will you go and fight for Mother-Russia?” the soldier asked. Yevhen said he would not. The soldier then drew his weapon and threatened to shoot them. A similar situation arose a second time. But the third incident was the most terrifying of all. Yevhen was working as a waiter, and on Airborne Forces Day, three Russian soldiers burst into the café armed. One began shouting: “Why aren’t you fighting? My boys are dying out there!” — and threw a grenade onto the table… 

After that incident, no doubts remained. Yevhen understood which side the truth was on in this war. And he grew afraid, because now mobilisation for him was only a matter of time. With the help of Save Ukraine, the boy left the occupied territory and is now studying in Ukraine. 

“I remember when I crossed over and saw the Ukrainian road sign — I wept. I had been waiting for that moment for so long!” the boy says.