A Russian passport, a mother's vigil for Ukraine's children
France 24
by Louise NORDSTROMFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Olga, a Russian mother now living in France, finds herself torn between her Russian roots and her growing alignment with Ukraine, driven by Putin's imperialistic policies. Having fled Russia in 2010 due to its increasingly restrictive environment under Vladimir Putin, Olga sought asylum in Paris, where she later became a French citizen. The 2014 annexation of Crimea marked a turning point for her, as it severed what she once believed was a shared identity between Russians and Ukrainians. Now, with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Olga's world is further divided—her heart aches for her Ukrainian friends, while her family back in Russia remains firmly supportive of the government, viewing the conflict as a matter of national duty.
Olga's journey reflects the broader struggle of Russian dissenters. She recalls feeling trapped under Putin's rule, where expressing dissent was dangerous and futile. After settling in France, she found solace among Ukrainian friends but was forced to sever ties with some who became pro-war propagandists. Her experience highlights the emotional toll of living in exile—avoiding Russian events, institutions, and even new acquaintances due to fear of being monitored or pressured by Russia's sprawling influence. She describes her French life as a delicate balancing act, where she must navigate conversations about the war with caution, fearing judgment from both sides.
The story underscores the human cost of political conflict, particularly for those caught between two nations. Olga's struggle to reconcile her love for Ukraine with her Russian heritage is a microcosm of the larger divide between Russia and the West. Her account serves as a poignant reminder of how personal
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/22/2026