The girl who was kidnapped by Russia - The Sunday Story

The girl who was kidnapped by Russia - The Sunday Story

Author: The Times October 5, 2025 Duration: 21:43

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands of children have disappeared from their homes. Separated from their families, many were sent to ‘re-education’ camps in Crimea, others, deep into the heart of Russia. So just what is it like for those children?


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/thestory


WARNING: This episode contains reference to sexual violence, torture, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.


Written and read by: Jane Mulkerrins, Associate Editor of The Times Magazine.

Producer: Dave Creasey.

Clips: ITV News, France24, Sky News, DRM News, BBC News, Russian National Anthem. 

Photo: Eva Pentel for The Times Magazine.

Read more: I was kidnapped by Russia at 16 — like so many Ukrainian kids 

Watch the film.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.


This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Elon Musk's 'hostile takeover' of Washington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
When Donald Trump took office, he appointed Elon Musk as head of the Department of Government Efficiency - or DOGE - a new agency designed to radically slash federal costs. Since inauguration day Musk has done just that,…
An interview with Sam Altman, Co-Founder & CEO of OpenAI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:34
Ahead of the Paris AI Action Summit, Katie and Danny are together in London for a special interview with the man who is synonymous with Artificial Intelligence - Sam Altman. He is the studio talking all things OpenAI, Pr…
How Bridget Jones charmed Gen Z [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:16
Bridget Jones is back in cinemas with her fourth outing Mad About the Boy, 24 years after her film debut. The messy heroine is the quintessential Gen X icon: too much booze, cigarettes, dodgy office romances and an obses…
Trump's Gaza bombshell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:07
President Trump stunned the world and horrified his Arab allies when he proposed that the US should take over Gaza and rebuild it as the "riviera of the Middle East." But where did the idea come from and could it actuall…
Why are so many Gen Zers not working? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:43
The Times has unveiled a landmark survey of Generation Z. What are their attitudes towards modern Britain, sex, drugs and… mental health? 1 in 3 young people have sought help for their mental health and a growing number…
The organised crime groups stealing your phone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:59
Have you - or someone you know - had a mobile phone snatched directly from your hand? It's a growing trend in London and other cities across the UK, as last Thursday, Met Police revealed they arrested 230 people and seiz…
The Sunday Edition: Inside the fentanyl trade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:22
On today's Sunday Edition, we're looking back at this episode from March, diving into the fentanyl trade. This week, President Trump cited the fentanyl crisis in the US as his justification for threatening steep tariffs…
How To Tell Who's Really In Charge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:45
This week the political masterminds (and Hugo) are joined by Theo Bertram, who worked in Downing Street for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.After a new book by Times journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund sheds ligh…