My Daughters Are Stuck in Russia – Aotearoa Is Our Home

My name is Anastasia. I’ve been raising my twin daughters solo for three years since I left their father, my former husband. I endured every kind of abuse over our 10-year relationship, and it didn’t stop when I left.

I had a Protection Order in NZ and have 100% care of our twins; their father can only have supervised contact and hasn’t seen them in three years. He put an Order so I couldn’t take our children out of New Zealand 3 years ago, fearing that I’ll move with them to Russia. This order was dismissed.

I tried to rebuild our life in Aotearoa, studying at university and raising my girls. Then my health collapsed: severe sciatica, chronic pain, and cPTSD. With no family support in NZ, I travelled to Russia so my family could help. My mum then got a NZ visa and we finally bought tickets back to New Zealand. My girls were excited to start school and return to their friends and home.

On 12 May, at the Moscow border, I learned my ex‑husband had obtained a Russian court order preventing the children from leaving. In each country, there was an order stopping us from moving to the other. This is not about my children’s wellbeing; it is about control.

After years of legal battles, my savings are gone, I already sold a car. I am in Russia with two small children, facing more court hearings I cannot manage alone.

I need help to bring my girls home to Aotearoa.