Evhen Ihnatov, a Ukrainian teenager, recounts the eight-month Russian occupation of his hometown, Kherson. His mother was killed by a misdirected Ukrainian missile, and his brother was forcibly taken to a Russian camp. Ihnatov describes widespread mistreatment, including beatings, abductions, and rape by Russian soldiers. He details the attempts by Russian authorities to impose a pro-Russian curriculum in schools, met with resistance from students. Following the liberation of Kherson, Ihnatov and his family relocated to Mykolaiv.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.