In a tragic turn of events, an 18-year-old Ukrainian teen, Alexander Yakuschenko, has taken his own life after being forced to relocate to Russia along with other orphaned children following the occupation of parts of Kherson region. Alexander, who hailed from a children’s home near the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, was moved to the Russian-occupied region after the head of his orphanage collaborated with Russian forces, according to “Vazhnye istorii” media outlet.
Alexander’s journey took a dark turn upon arriving in Russia. Settled into a foster home in the Krasnodar region, he sent ahelf what would tragically become his final message to friends. In the audio clip, he expressed feelings of worthlessness, stating he’s “[n]obody’s need” and that there “would be no problems” if he hadn’t been sent to Krasnodar.
Hailing from a troubled family background, Alexander hadn’t seen his mother, Elena Yakuschenko, since 2016. Their relationship decimated by past issues, they maintained a distant communication via phone calls only.
Alexander’s despair has now sparked a criminal investigation. Ukraine‘s Prosecutor General’s Office has launched an inquiry into the case, considering it a potential war crime following his untimely demise.
This distressing story underscores the unimaginable plight of thousands of Ukrainian children caught up in the ongoing conflict, abruptly torn from their lives and surroundings, with potentially irreversible psychological consequences.
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