Story perspectives

Ukrainian orphan escapes pro-Russian propaganda, trains as drone pilot

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 4:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Denys Kostev escaped forced pro-Russian propaganda and now trains as a drone pilot.
He was moved from a Kherson orphanage to occupied Crimea in 2022.
Kostev was compelled to appear in Russian TV videos at the Luchisty camp.
Kyiv reported 84 Ukrainian orphans were held at the camp in 2023.
After reuniting with family in Germany early 2024, he crossed Poland and returned to Ukraine in April.

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Story summary

Denys Kostev escaped forced pro-Russian propaganda and now trains as a drone pilot.
He was moved from a Kherson orphanage to occupied Crimea in 2022.
Kostev was compelled to appear in Russian TV videos at the Luchisty camp.
Kyiv reported 84 Ukrainian orphans were held at the camp in 2023.
After reuniting with family in Germany early 2024, he crossed Poland and returned to Ukraine in April.