This timely volume is exploring the nature of the military occupation of Ukraine by Russian forces and their proxies in Crimea, Donbas, and Southern regions of Ukraine, as captured and studied by journalist and analyst Katerina Sergatskova from the first days of the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 till the full-scale invasion that started in 2022. It also provides invaluable insights into the forced migration and exile challenges as a result of the occupation and political conflicts. The book consists of early reportages from the occupied territories, conversations with those who were forced into hiding, and late essays during the full-scale war. Sergatskova has witnessed many historical events: from the illegal referendums across disputed territories of Crimea and Donbas, on-site investigation of the bombing of the Boeing MH17, and special operations to liberate Ukrainian war prisoners, to the liberation of the occupied territories after the start of the full-scale invasion.

This timely volume is exploring the nature of the military occupation of Ukraine by Russian forces and their proxies in Crimea, Donbas, and Southern regions of Ukraine, as captured and studied by journalist and analyst Katerina Sergatskova from the first days of the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 till the full-scale invasion that started in 2022. It also provides invaluable insights into the forced migration and exile challenges as a result of the occupation and political conflicts. The book consists of early reportages from the occupied territories, conversations with those who were forced into hiding, and late essays during the full-scale war. Sergatskova has witnessed many historical events: from the illegal referendums across disputed territories of Crimea and Donbas, on-site investigation of the bombing of the Boeing MH17, and special operations to liberate Ukrainian war prisoners, to the liberation of the occupied territories after the start of the full-scale invasion.