Residents who escaped describe the fear of living in Russian-occupied Ukraine
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Inna Vnukova and her family fled Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine after enduring threats, shelling, and repression in their village of Kudriashivka, now living safely in Estonia.
- Russian forces have imposed citizenship, language, and cultural changes in occupied regions, with millions receiving Russian passports to access basic services amid ongoing fear, detentions, and human rights abuses.
- Human rights groups report widespread use of "filtration camps," torture, and secret detentions targeting Ukrainian sympathizers, civil servants, and activists, with thousands held without charge.
- Cities like Mariupol and Sievierodonetsk face severe infrastructure damage, housing seizures, and shortages of heat, water, and healthcare, despite Russian promises of
