Russia holds up to 20,000 Ukrainian civilians in captivity. One of newest is teacher who stayed in her occupied village to care for her 83-year-old mother
Russia is replacing detained Ukrainian teachers with its own educators in occupied territories, where they are used to impose propaganda narratives.
On 5 August, Russia detained Hanna Pyrozhenko, a 52-year-old former teacher from Pershokostiantynivka in Kherson Oblast. Currently held in Henichesk, she is one of up to 20,000 Ukrainian civilians Russia is holding captive. Her husband, who tried to locate her, was tortured by the Russians and forced to leave the occupied village.
According to ZMINA, some Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians are subjected to systematic torture and cruel treatment. Teacher who stayed, Hanna Pyrozhenko is a former teacher with over 20 years of experience. After the war began, she resigned to care for her 83-year-old mother and 77-year-old brother. Despite being held in captivity, her devotion to her hometown prevented her from leaving her village.
Russian security forces first searched her home in January 2025, finding nothing and leaving the couple alone. On 5 August, they searched the Pyrozhenkos' home again, confiscating her phone and laptop and detaining her without explanation. The reason for her detention remains unknown. Russian forces have been bringing Ukrainian teachers into occupied territories to "re-educate" students with a focus on "Victory Day fanaticism" and "rocket model" creation.
The Kremlin's policy of re-educating Ukrainian children is overseen by Russia's highest leadership. International Criminal Court prosecutor Maria Lvova-Belova has been accused of war crimes for allegedly deporting Ukrainian children to occupied territories.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
