“Russians are trying to ban everything Ukrainian here: language, and also traditions. Even Ukrainian holidays are forbidden.”
This is the sorrow and fear of a rarely heard voice from within Ukraine – that of someone living in one of the Russian-occupied areas of the country. We are calling her Maria.
As the US leads efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine, those living under Russian occupation face a brutal, repressive future.
Already, the Kremlin has put in place severe restrictions designed to stamp out Ukrainian identity, including harsh punishments for anyone who dares to disagree.
Now, there are fears that Kyiv could be forced to give up at least some of the territory occupied by…