FIRST NAME: KIRA

Russia began abducting children from Ukraine in 2014. By Ukraine's count, over 20,000 children have been taken since 2022. Most of them will never return. This is one of the greatest crimes of the 21st century and still it is not widely known.With the help of a handful of children who have successfully escaped back to safety, in First Name: Kira, historian Olesya Khromeychuk uncovers the full insidious nature of Russia's crimes. Through the stories of Kira, Valeria, Andrii, Ksenia, Serhii and others, we witness the truth of what is happening, first hand. As they share their experiences, the children are disarmingly honest, sometimes funny, and often show a maturity beyond their years. But what shocks the reader is the systematic nature of the crimes against them, their families and their country.In this remarkable combination of first person accounts from the children and a perceptive understanding of Russia's actions by Khromeychuk, First Name: Kira gives the children and families affected by this terrible crime an audible voice, and it is hoped the attention of the world.