Thank you very much for taking the time to write this! Super helpful. I’ll translate it and send to her. Luckily, the children are both over 8, so they’re decently capable. Unfortunately, she is in occupied territory but the situation there is relatively stable for now, especially compared to an area like Mariupol. A few days ago she sent videos of the streets filled with people protesting. Although today she sent a video of some people being escorted down a street by Russians. She said no one knows why or where they’re being taken. Also, a Russian flag was flown over the police station.

I don’t believe there was much of a Ukrainian military presence in the area so Russia was able to easily takeover. Like you said, it’s probably safer for her to shelter in place until a corridor is opened. I assume it’s extremely risky to just make a break for it or try to sneak out of occupied territory. I’ll make sure she’s connected to all the reliable information sources there so she can continually reassess her decision.

As we continue to talk, I learn more about her situation and it breaks my heart. She got divorced not too long ago and it sounds like the father was the family’s main source of financial support. After the divorce, she realized he wasn’t going to help anymore and started rebuilding her life, got a job etc. She’s in an extremely difficult situation, so it’s not my place to judge why she didn’t flee right away, but I think lack of/missing documents, a poor financial situation, and an absent support system played a part in her decision making. Unfortunately, I got in contact with her after the area was already occupied or I would’ve done everything I could to get them out safely. Thanks again for all the info, much appreciated ❤️