At just 19 years old, Ukrainian Kseniia-Anastasiia delivered a powerful and emotional testimony on Monday afternoon before more than 150 guests at the European Parliament’s auditorium in Kirchberg. Kseniia-Anastasiia spoke about her experiences of war, recounting what she and her family endured in the Russian-occupied city of Berdyansk, on the Sea of Azov. She described how children in occupied territories are subjected to indoctrination and hardship.
The aim of the event was to ensure that the war in Ukraine is not forgotten. To this end, the association LUkraine, together with ambassadors from ten countries and the representation of the European Union in Luxembourg, launched an advocacy coalition.
For Kseniia-Anastasiia, it was a significant moment. She was just 15 when her hometown of Berdyansk was occupied by Russian forces on 27 February 2022.
She described how children were forbidden from following online classes in Ukrainian and were forced to attend Russian schools, where history was presented in a completely different way. She also recounted how her father was arrested after posting an anti-Russian message on social media and was tortured while in detention, which left a lasting impact on her.
Now abroad for the first time, she is being supported by a psychologist in Luxembourg. She explained that she has been able to rest, eat properly, and find a sense of calm, adding that these are “relaxing days” for her.
Earlier on Monday, Kseniia-Anastasiia had the opportunity to explore the city. Speaking to RTL, she reflected on the two and a half years she spent under occupation before her mother managed to flee with the children to Kyiv. She stressed how important it is for people in Europe, and in Ukraine itself, to hear first-hand what is happening in occupied territories, including the deportation and indoctrination of children.
She explained that working with psychologists has helped her begin to rebuild her life and plan for the future. She said she is now studying at university with the aim of becoming an event manager. After leaving the occupied territories, she said she had spent a year unable to plan ahead, living from day to day.
Looking ahead, now, Kseniia-Anastasiia expressed hope that all occupied territories, including Berdyansk, will be liberated, that deported children and soldiers will return home, and that Ukrainians will be able to live in a free and independent country closely aligned with the European Union.
