What does it mean to live under occupation? What happens when your hometown, your freedom, and your everyday life are suddenly taken away?

Join the Ukrainian Society and the Centre for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies (CEREES) at Queen Mary University of London for a powerful and thought-provoking evening featuring three young Ukrainians who have experienced Russian occupation firsthand.

While the war in Ukraine is often discussed through political debates, military developments, and news headlines, the personal experiences of those who have lived through it can be overlooked.

This event aims to give a voice to those whose lives have been directly affected by Russian occupation, offering an opportunity to hear their stories, understand their experiences, and explore the human consequences of war.

Meet Our Speakers

Anhelina Zinovieva — Donetsk

Sofia Naumenko — Mariupol

Daniil Shapovalov — Luhansk

Coming from three Ukrainian cities profoundly affected by Russian aggression and occupation, our speakers will share their personal experiences, memories, and perspectives on life under occupation.

What to Expect

The evening will feature:

• Personal testimonies: Hear firsthand accounts of life under Russian occupation and its lasting impact.
• A moderated panel discussion: Explore the experiences of young Ukrainians whose lives have been shaped by war, displacement, and occupation.
• Audience Q&A: An opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with our speakers.

Why Attend?

Behind every headline and statistic is a human story.

This event is an opportunity to move beyond the news and gain a deeper understanding of the realities of Russian occupation through the voices of those who have experienced it.

Whether you are interested in international relations, human rights, contemporary history, or simply want to better understand the human impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine, we welcome you to join us.

Their stories deserve to be heard. Join us to listen.

Please note: This event will include discussions of war, occupation, displacement, and potentially distressing personal experiences. We kindly ask all attendees to approach the discussion with sensitivity and respect.