Masha Moskalyova and Alexey Moskalyov Seek Safety in France After Anti-War Drawing
Masha Moskalyova and her father, Alexey Moskalyov, are living in hiding in a small village in eastern France, CNN reported. The drawing, created in 2022 when Masha was 12 years old, depicted a mother shielding her child from Russian bombs alongside the phrases “Glory to Ukraine” and “No Putin, no war.” Following a report by a classmate, Russian authorities charged Alexey Moskalyov with “discrediting the Russian military,” sentencing him to two years in a penal colony while Masha was placed in an orphanage. After his release, the father and daughter fled Russia through Armenia before arriving in France earlier this year on temporary visas.
Reactions From the Family and Public Figures
Life in rural France brings distinct challenges, including fragile health for Alexey from his time in jail and language barriers for Masha at school. Despite these hardships, Alexey expressed relief regarding their new circumstances. “Everything I’ve lost, everything I had in Russia, is compensated for by the fact that we can now speak freely and tell the truth,” he told CNN, emphasizing that they are now in a country where people are not persecuted for their words or their opinions.
Masha continues to use social media platforms like YouTube to reach audiences inside Russia and abroad. Her online criticism extends to international diplomacy. “I want to say that what Trump is doing is terrible,” Masha told CNN, criticizing US President Donald Trump for shaking hands with his Russian counterpart, holding Russian President Vladimir Putin responsible for war deaths in Ukraine.
Uncertain Prospects for Returning to Russia
Returning to their hometown of Yefremov, located roughly 300 kilometers south of Moscow, remains a distant prospect. Masha acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding political transformation in Russia. “I would return to Russia with enormous joy,” Masha said. “But when will this regime change? I don’t know. How many decades will it take?” She views her childhood drawing as an early act of defiance against an authoritarian system that cannot tolerate dissent, noting that collective courage from many individuals is necessary to alter the country’s trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
How did Masha manage to keep the original drawing through their ordeal?
Masha found the colored-pencil drawing by chance on a shelf among her childhood notebooks while preparing to flee their home in Yefremov. The police had not confiscated it during their investigations, apparently overlooking a child’s personal belongings.
What happened to the pets or possessions they left behind?
The family lost almost all of their possessions and former life in Russia. However, a dog that Masha was given in the orphanage has recently arrived to join them in France from Armenia.
What legal status do Masha and her father currently hold in France?
Masha and Alexey Moskalyov arrived in France earlier this year following their journey through Armenia and currently reside there on temporary visas.
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