Ukrainian Orphan Describes Forced Transfer and Escape From Russian Occupation

A Ukrainian orphan, Denys Kostev, has described being forcibly transferred by Russian authorities in 2022 and coerced into participating in pro-Russian campaigns before eventually managing to escape, according to an account reported by Al Jazeera.

Kostev's account is part of a broader pattern of reported cases involving Ukrainian children in institutional care who were relocated from occupied territories during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a practice that Ukrainian officials and international bodies have raised concern about.

"I Wanted to Live"

Describing his motivations during the ordeal, Kostev is quoted as saying, "I wanted to live," reflecting the pressure he says he faced to comply with demands made of him while under Russian control.

Al Jazeera's report does not specify the full details of how Kostev was eventually able to leave Russian-controlled territory, nor the current circumstances of his life following his escape.

The transfer and treatment of Ukrainian children from occupied areas has been the subject of international scrutiny, including allegations examined by international bodies investigating potential violations of children's rights during the conflict.

Russian authorities were not reported as having responded directly to Kostev's specific account in the available report.