Iryna Krynina relocated from Siberia to Kyiv after her partner, Evgeny Kovtkov, a Russian soldier, was captured in Ukraine. She discovered his capture through a Ukrainian helpline and, despite her opposition to the war and the risks involved, traveled to Ukraine in October 2023 with her two children to secure his release. She had hoped they could start a new life together away from the conflict, but was met with rejection from Kovtkov, whom she believes had been influenced by Russian propaganda and was unwilling to leave as it would cause him problems.
Stranded in Kyiv and unable to return to Russia, Krynina found a new purpose. She co-founded "Nashi Vyhod" (Our Way Out) with other activists to help Russian families connect with their loved ones held in Ukrainian prisons, facilitating communication and the delivery of parcels. Her organization, designated a "foreign agent" by Russia, works in conjunction with Ukrainian government initiatives like "Khochu Zhit" and "Khochu Naiti" to provide information and support to families searching for missing or captured servicemen, a process hampered by Russian authorities' lack of transparency.
Kovtkov was eventually returned to Russia in a prisoner exchange, and Krynina remains in Kyiv with her children, working as an online accountant and continuing her advocacy. Despite missing her home country and the potential danger ... download the app to read more
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