Stunned Response in Russian Community as Child Creates Ukraine-Themed Picture
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Nestled about 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Moscow, the town of Yefremov, inhabited by 37,000 people, appears to be a picture of national fervor, mirroring the widespread Patriotism visible nationwide during Russia's long-running campaign.
Yet, beneath the surface, the townspeople harbor divided opinions regarding the conflict, with recent events serving as a chilling testament to the suppression of dissent against the offensive.
The saga began in 2015 when a 13-year-old girl named Maria Moskalyova sketched a school assignment depicting missiles alongside a Russian flag hurtling towards a woman and child next to a Ukrainian flag.
Her headmistress promptly alerted the police, who claim they discovered critical remarks about the offensive on the social media profiles of the girl's father, 54-year-old Alexei Moskalyov.
On March 1, Moskalyov was placed under house arrest, facing charges of "discrediting Russia's armed forces," a crime punishable by up to three years in prison under a law introduced last year. He also faces the possibility of losing custody in a separate trial slated to begin on April 6, according to his lawyer Vladimir Bilyenko.
Since then, Maria has been sent to an orphanage and barred from contacting her father, according to town councilor Olga Podolskaya. The mother is estranged from the family.
The case has sparked national outrage and led to an online petition demanding Maria's return to her father. Even Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner paramilitary force spearheading Russia's offensive, has expressed support for Maria and criticized local authorities for their actions.
"I Just Wanted to Express Myself"
On the streets of Yefremov, few residents were willing to speak freely about the situation or their views on the conflict unfolding in Ukraine.
"Separating a father from his daughter is unfair. She just voiced her opinion," said Alexandra, a student.
A pensioner who refused to reveal her name said her life had changed since February 24, 2022 – the day Russian soldiers invaded Ukraine.
"I'm not here to accuse anyone. I see victims on both sides. I want this to end immediately," she said.
The local cemetery displayed numerous fresh graves of soldiers killed in what Russia calls its "special military operation." The offensive has felt far more tangible over the past month, with three Ukrainian drones reported to have struck in the area. These developments have instilled fear and anxiety in this tight-knit community.
In the town square, two elderly women wearing red armbands claimed they were part of a neighborhood watch effort established by locals to report suspicious activities.
"They told us there was a threat of an attack, and we need to maintain order," said one of the women, sitting on a bench.
"They Are Despondent"
Alexander Salikhov, a 66-year-old retired designer, yearned for peace but asserted that "we need to liberate Russian lands" in Ukraine.
Dmitry, a 50-year-old businessman, stated he had gone bankrupt due to Western sanctions that have created significant disruptions in supply chains.
"What does the future hold? The future is in the hands of the security services, and we are on the brink of nuclear war," he said.
Podolskaya stated that residents were divided.
"They are demoralized. They don't understand what's happening, but they can't take to the streets. They fear losing their jobs – they have mortgages and children," she claimed.
Marianna, a pregnant 31-year-old, expressed some optimism, although she expressed concern about her husband being mobilized.
"We hope it will end, and our son will be born in a peaceful world, and he won't have to fear military action," she said, revealing that the couple plan to name him Bogdan – a popular Ukrainian name.
Last Updated: 27 March 2023
Extra:
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to numerous separations of families and individuals, often due to displacement or differing political allegiances. The prolonged conflict can create complications in family reunifications and legal issues, including those related to custody and parental rights. For precise and specific information about a particular case, consult local news sources or legal authorities in Russia or relevant organizations that address family reunifications and legal matters in conflict zones.
- The controversy surrounding Maria Moskalyova's case has sparked national discussion, including debates about the role of politics, war-and-conflicts, and general-news in shaping family dynamics, as seen in the separation of Maria from her father.
- Businesses in Yefremov have been affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Dmitry, a local businessman, sharing that he had gone bankrupt due to disruptions in supply chains caused by Western sanctions, highlighting the intersection of business and politics in the region.
