Russian Couple Becomes Informants for Ukraine: A Journey from Disillusionment to Defiance

After fleeing Russia due to disillusionment with the government, Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov transformed from ordinary villagers into informants for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. Their harrowing story includes detainment, interrogation, and a dangerous escape to safety, revealing both the personal stakes of war and the moral complexities of their choices.

 

Sergei and Tatyana Voronkov, disillusioned Russian citizens, fled to Ukraine years after condemning Vladimir Putin’s regime, but their desire for a peaceful life was shattered by the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Initially seeking solace in rural Novolyubymivka, the couple was soon forced to adapt their aspirations amidst chaos, becoming informants for the Ukrainian military in a desperate move against the invading forces.

During their time in Ukraine, the couple began gathering intelligence about Russian troop movements and military assets once the rockets began to rain down on their village. When Tatyana spotted a Russian convoy, she initiated contact with Ukrainian forces, leading to the couple participating in intelligence gathering that involved sending coordinates and details about military equipment. "We didn't see it as treason," Tatyana recalls, asserting their actions were aimed at countering "evil."

Their commitment to this cause was perilous; Sergei faced arrest during routine errands, leading to intense interrogation by Russian security forces that included physical and psychological intimidation. For 37 grueling days, he was detained and pressured to confess to collaborating with Ukraine. At the time, Tatyana, who was anxiously searching for news about her husband, faced additional peril as Russian forces acted against them. The search of their home led to the discovery of hidden funds intended for future escape plans.

After a surprisingly swift release, the Voronkovs became increasingly wary of surveillance, eventually choosing to flee to Lithuania amid concerns for their safety. They devised an elaborate plan to fabricate a legitimate reason for passing through Russia, even crafting a beach getaway story to avoid suspicion. Once across borders using falsified documents, they faced legal consequences in Lithuania but remain hopeful for asylum.

Now residing in a shelter for asylum seekers, the couple has garnered support from Ukrainian armed forces, underscoring the complexities of their choices that deeply impacted their family relationships back in Russia. Despite estrangement from their son and disapproval from aging relatives, the Voronkovs stand resolute, stating there is no return to Russia until conditions change. "Only if it starts showing some humanity," Sergei asserts, affirming their commitment to a future free from oppression.