«Mom, will they kill you?» This is the most common question from adopted children from Donetsk and Lugansk. Kolya, Tolya, and Vova are three brothers who lived in Krasny Luch, in the Lugansk People's Republic. Their father was killed, and their mother suffered from alcoholism. Vova, the oldest, always protected his brothers. Now, he throws himself in front of their foster mom when a car drives by—any car. Even though they live in quiet suburban Moscow, the children still don't feel safe. Other foster parents share similar stories. Siblings are never separated, even if there are three, four, or more of them. Often, parents must teach them basic things—like going to the store or helping at home. They can't tie their shoelaces, but they can identify artillery by sound. They often went to bed hungry and hid in bomb shelters. Now, they're getting help to heal, catch up at school, and simply be happy.
Donbass: will you be my Mum?
