Story perspectives

Yahidne's Captivity: Survivors Share Trauma, Seek Justice

3/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

In Yahidne, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine, 368 villagers, including 50 children, were held by Russian soldiers in a school basement in early 2022.
Historians and journalists narrate a new audioguide to recount their experiences and memorialize the trauma while the war continues.
Ivan Polhui, a school janitor, reflects on survival after nearly a month in captivity.
A museum is planned to document the atrocities.
The Chernihiv District Court has convicted 15 Russian soldiers for war crimes against Yahidne's residents.

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Story summary

In Yahidne, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine, 368 villagers, including 50 children, were held by Russian soldiers in a school basement in early 2022.
Historians and journalists narrate a new audioguide to recount their experiences and memorialize the trauma while the war continues.
Ivan Polhui, a school janitor, reflects on survival after nearly a month in captivity.
A museum is planned to document the atrocities.
The Chernihiv District Court has convicted 15 Russian soldiers for war crimes against Yahidne's residents.