“Occupation is Followed by Russian Reality – a Dictatorship that Neglects People,” – East SOS Documentation Analyst

Nazarii Lutsenko, Documentation Analyst at the East SOS Charity Foundation, took part in a discussion with journalist Denys Kazanskyi on Free Media Space. The conversation focused on the future of the Donetsk region after the war and the devastating consequences of prolonged russian occupation.

Nazarii emphasized that russia is systematically replacing the Ukrainian education system in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT). “At first, Ukrainian textbooks were used – only with state symbols removed. Later, russian textbooks were imported en masse, including those on so-called russian history,” he explained. He added that additional classes have been introduced in schools, often conducted by russian military personnel, even on Sundays. During these sessions, children are shown propaganda videos, including disturbing scenes depicting violence against pro-Ukrainian civilians and soldiers.

The Documentation Department of East SOS systematically conducts interviews with witnesses of war crimes – people who have managed to escape from the occupied territories or can be interviewed at transit points and in resettlement locations. Based on their testimonies, the team records key evidence and emerging patterns. Since 2014, East SOS has been documenting war crimes committed by russia in Ukraine. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the organization has conducted over 1,000 interviews and documented 1,560 alleged crimes.

Documenting war crimes is carried out as part of the project “Support for War-Affected Vulnerable Groups and Residents of Remote Areas of Ukraine” with the financial support of the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the Foundation and does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union in Ukraine.