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Teen Fleeing War Finds New Life in Poland

2/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bardadim, 15-year-old from Kherson, fled to Poland in March 2024 to avoid conscription.
Kherson was occupied by Russian forces, then briefly liberated, followed by violence.
Bardadim worked at a Kherson gas station before planning his escape with Oleksandr.
They secured jobs in Poland through a Ukrainian contact.
Bardadim and Oleksandr later received an invitation to Warsaw.

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Story summary

Bardadim, 15-year-old from Kherson, fled to Poland in March 2024 to avoid conscription.
Kherson was occupied by Russian forces, then briefly liberated, followed by violence.
Bardadim worked at a Kherson gas station before planning his escape with Oleksandr.
They secured jobs in Poland through a Ukrainian contact.
Bardadim and Oleksandr later received an invitation to Warsaw.