Anna Ahaliieva, a young Ukrainian director living and studying in Bratislava, shares her complex relationship with identity and the impact of war on her life and work. Having experienced bullying as a Ukrainian child during the annexation of Crimea, she now faces discrimination in Slovakia, where she struggles to clarify that the views of the political leaders do not represent the entirety of Ukraine. Her recent film project focuses on the disturbing trend of Ukrainian children being abducted to Russia, a subject she contends is critical yet insufficiently addressed in the media.

In this project, she reveals the harsh realities faced by these children, who not only endure severe bullying but are also subjected to intense propaganda. Ahaliieva poignantly describes how, in Russia, these children are treated almost like products for adoption, available for prospective parents to choose from as if browsing online. The film aims to shed light on their plight, particularly since the abductions are classified as war crimes, a point underscored by the international arrest warrant issued against Vladimir Putin, which adds a layer of urgency to her storytelling.

Ahaliieva encourages public engagement and support for her project through crowdfunding efforts, expressing a strong desire to raise awareness about the plight of these children. Her insights reflect not only personal trauma but also a broader narrative of resistance against oppression and a call for action in response to ongoing violations of human rights during the war.