‘Singing for Stolen Children’  Escaping Russian Abduction. A Ukrainian teeenager’s account.

The Forced Displacement of Ukrainian Children & The Story of Liza of Daughters of Donas

Key Concepts:

• Forced Displacement/Abduction: The systematic removal of Ukrainian children to Russia and Russian-occupied territories.
• Filtration Camps: Camps established by Russian forces to process and categorize Ukrainian civilians, often involving interrogation and propaganda.
• International Criminal Court (ICC) Warrant: An arrest warrant issued by the ICC for President Putin regarding the unlawful deportation and transfer of children.
• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT): Utilizing publicly available information to investigate events, in this case, tracking deported children.
• "Bring Kids Home" Initiative: A Ukrainian initiative dedicated to returning abducted children.
• Daughters of Donas: A Ukrainian musical group raising awareness about the plight of displaced children.
• Propaganda & "Re-education": The use of misinformation and indoctrination attempts on Ukrainian children in Russian-controlled areas.

The Scale of Abduction & International Response

It is estimated that approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly displaced and abducted from their homes to Russia and Russian-occupied territory. This has prompted the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, charging him with the unlawful deportation and transfer of children – a crime against humanity. Despite these charges, Kremlin officials deny any abduction, framing the transfers as “humanitarian evacuations” intended to save lives on a “voluntary basis.”

Independent investigators and researchers are employing open-source intelligence (OSINT) technology to identify and track the fate of these deported children. As of the time of the interview, around 1,900 children have been returned to Ukraine through the efforts of the Ukrainian “Bring Kids Home” initiative.

Liza’s Personal Account: From Mariupol to Escape

The interview centers on Liza, a 16-year-old member of the Ukrainian musical group “Daughters of Donas,” who experienced this forced displacement firsthand. Liza recounts her life in Mariupol before the war, describing a normal, active teenage life that was shattered by the city’s destruction. Her home was burned to the ground, and she was deported to Russia along with other civilians.

Liza details the harrowing experience of being forced onto buses headed for “filtration camps.” These camps, described as having conditions akin to “old republics,” lacked basic necessities like food, water, and electricity. Individuals were subjected to interrogation, phone checks, and exposure to Russian propaganda. Families were often separated arbitrarily, with children being placed on different buses with unknown destinations. She spent 27 hours in a crowded line awaiting transport, describing it as one of the most terrifying experiences of the war.

The Horrors of Filtration Camps & Life in Russia

Liza describes the filtration camps as dehumanizing, where Ukrainians were treated as “war criminals.” She recounts being moved between multiple camps, with conditions deteriorating at each location. After the final filtration process, she was transported to Russia.

While in Russia, Liza kept a war diary, documenting her experiences as a means of coping and believing she might not survive. She describes the desperation of survival, including drinking melted snow and draining batteries for water. She was placed in a camp intended for citizens of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), and was forced to conceal her Ukrainian identity to avoid harsher treatment.

Liza explains the pressure to accept Russian education and obtain a Russian passport, which she found deeply frightening. She describes the pervasive fear and the casual discrimination faced by Ukrainians, with people avoiding contact with those from Ukraine.

Escape & The Formation of Daughters of Donas

Liza’s escape was facilitated by Maria Pronina, a mentor from Mariupol who had been working to locate and rescue abducted children. Pronina connected Liza with a network of volunteers who provided financial assistance and arranged for her escape. Liza was reunited with her boyfriend, who had been separated from her during the evacuation of Mariupol.

After escaping to Germany, Liza eventually returned to Ukraine to be with her boyfriend. She then connected with Marichka, the founder of “Daughters of Donas,” and joined the group. The band uses music to raise awareness about the plight of Ukrainian children affected by the war.

The Message of Daughters of Donas & The Fight Against Propaganda

Liza emphasizes the importance of speaking out and challenging Russian propaganda, which attempts to portray the situation in Ukraine as positive and to erase the reality of the war’s impact. She expresses her pain at seeing Russian propaganda claiming to rebuild Mariupol while ignoring the suffering of its residents.

Liza states, “It’s a crime against humanity,” and highlights the need for the world to not turn a blind eye to the situation. She describes her dream of simply having access to clean water as a stark reminder of the basic necessities denied to those affected by the war.

Upcoming Tour & Continued Advocacy

“Daughters of Donas” is embarking on a world tour, with dates scheduled in Scotland, England, Canada, and Australia. Liza expresses her excitement about the tour and her determination to share her story and raise awareness about the ongoing crisis. She hopes to counter the Russian narrative and ensure that the crimes committed against Ukrainian children are not forgotten.

Notable Quote:

• “I didn’t cry when everything was happening around me when my home was destroyed. But I can’t hold back my tears when I see Russian propaganda about how wonderfully my city is being rebuilt.” – Liza, Daughters of Donas.

Technical Terms:

• OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence): The practice of collecting and analyzing information from publicly available sources.
• Filtration Camps: Temporary camps established by Russian forces to identify and categorize Ukrainian civilians.
• DPR (Donetsk People’s Republic): A self-proclaimed, Russian-backed separatist state in eastern Ukraine.
• Azov Stall: A Ukrainian National Guard unit, often targeted by Russian propaganda.

This account underscores the systematic nature of the abduction of Ukrainian children and the devastating impact it has on their lives. Liza’s story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the importance of international awareness and support.