Two teenage brothers, Artem and Nazar, originally from Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine, were forcibly deported to Russia by Russian occupiers early in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Initially labeled as an "evacuation", their relocation turned into a lengthy displacement, as they were moved between various temporary accommodations while in Russia. The older brother managed to finish school and enroll in a university but eventually dropped out, while the younger brother also graduated from school but lacked the means to continue his education through Ukrainian online platforms due to their situation.

The dire turn of events occurred when one of the brothers received a draft notice from Russian military authorities, indicating they were to be conscripted into the armed forces. This alarming development prompted the brothers to seek a way out of Russia and return to Ukraine. They coordinated efforts to escape and sought assistance in finding a safe route back home, demonstrating their willingness to risk everything to avoid conscription and return to their homeland.

The return of Artem and Nazar highlights the challenges faced by displaced Ukrainians amid the ongoing conflict and showcases the broader implications of forced conscription in occupied territories. Their experience underscores the urgency for the international community to address the plight of deported individuals and the conditions that compel them to flee. The situation also raises critical questions regarding the treatment of civilians during wartime and the rights of children caught in such conflicts.