88-Year-Old Ukrainian Man Escapes Russian Occupation, Refuses Russian Citizenship

An 88-year-old Ukrainian man named Ivan Yakovych managed to flee the Russian-occupied part of the Donetsk Oblast on his own, refusing to accept Russian citizenship after occupying forces confiscated his Ukrainian passport. Yakovych, a resident of the village of Ocheretyne, walked all night to reach a crossing point and continued his journey until he crossed into Ukrainian-controlled territory.

Volunteers from the Ukrainian NGO East-SOS assisted Yakovych in reaching the city of Pokrovsk. He carried only his pensioner ID and a small rucksack, as the Russian occupiers had taken away his Ukrainian passport in an attempt to compel him to obtain a Russian one. Yakovych is now being evacuated to a temporary shelter in Dnipro, where he will receive housing and necessary aid.

Why this matters: Yakovych's resolute refusal to accept a Russian passport and his daring escape from occupied territory demonstrate the enduring spirit of resistance among Ukrainians living under Russian control. His story highlights the coercive tactics Russia is employing, such as denying humanitarian aid and healthcare, to force Ukrainians in occupied areas to accept Russian citizenship, which violates international law.

Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk Military Administration, praised Yakovych's courage, civic position, and love for Ukraine. "The story of 88-year-old Ivan Yakovych is impressive. It is an example of a civic position and love for the Motherland," Filashkin said. Yakovych's arduous journey to return to his native land, endangering his life in the process, serves as a testament to the unwavering determination of Ukrainians to preserve their national identity in the face of Russian aggression and attempts to eliminate Ukrainian culture in occupied regions.

Key Takeaways

• 88-year-old Ukrainian man Ivan Yakovych fled Russian-occupied Donetsk, refusing Russian citizenship
• Yakovych walked all night to reach a crossing point and enter Ukrainian-controlled territory
• Russian occupiers confiscated Yakovych's Ukrainian passport to force him to obtain a Russian one
• Yakovych's escape demonstrates Ukrainian resistance to Russian coercion in occupied regions
• Yakovych is now being evacuated to a temporary shelter in Dnipro for housing and aid