Anton returned to Ukraine after twelve years in occupied Luhansk

Anton was eight when Russia occupied Luhansk. He grew up surrounded by propaganda and constant checks, but taught himself Ukrainian by watching films and series through a VPN and writing down unfamiliar words.

In March 2026, 19-year-old Anton left via Russia and Belarus with the help of volunteers. In Kyiv, he is taking a university preparation course and, for the first time in years, can plan his future.