The Story of a Teenager Who Left Occupation to Join the Ukrainian Armed Forces: “My Friend Was Killed on His Way Home. He Was 17.”

Photo: From personal archive. The bus on which Evgeny left the occupation. (Postimees)

The story centres on a Ukrainian teenager who fled Russian-occupied territory to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He recalls the brutal killing of his 17-year-old friend by Russian forces and the constant fear of surveillance. His testimony underscores the threats young people face under occupation, where expressing pro-Ukrainian views or attempting to escape can cost them their lives. The article highlights the courage of youth determined to fight for their homeland.

Read the full article in Postimees (Estonia) here.