“In times like these, being alone is dangerous”, Natalia Zhuravlyova, Dnipro city, Ukraine

WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES OF INTERVIEWS ‘ABOUT WAR AND SEX WORK IN UKRAINE’ with our leaders and paralegals in 2026. Almost a year has passed since our last public conversation with our regional representatives, when we talked about the lives of Ukrainians, the fate of sex workers and the sphere of sex services in Ukraine during the war. This year, we return to this conversation to recall the events of four years of this war and analyse their impact on our community and society.

Natalia Zhuravlyova (Наталія Журавльова) — leader of sex workers’ community of the CO "LEGALIFE-UKRAINE" in Dnipro, Ukraine

Natalia Dorofeeva, CO “Legalife-Ukraine” (ND): Hello, Natalia! It’s been a long time since we last talked, more than a year to be exact. First, I just want to know how you are? What are the transformations and achievements in your life? What influenced your changes over the past year?

Natalia: My personal achievements this year are that I stay in my city and continue to do my work: distribute humanitarian aid, support preventive initiatives, and mobilize the community in the region. In conditions of constant shelling and power outages for 17–18 hours a day, this already feels like a significant achievement.

Sometimes I thought about packing up and leaving, but then I thought: where? What will I do there? And I realized that I am needed here, especially since I have a home, animals, friends and family here. It would be very difficult to leave everything, at least for now.

Another achievement for me is that I have learned to set priorities correctly: what needs to be done now, and what can wait until better times. I also learned to buy only the most necessary things - what will help me to survive and get through a difficult winter. It is especially important to keep a stock of fuel and monitor its suitability, and renew it, so that in the event of an urgent evacuation generator is working, you are ready. This gives a sense of control and security in such unstable conditions.

ND: Also, tell us about the changes within your initiative group, how has the life and activities of community activists transformed over these four years?

Natalia: During these four years of war, each of our participants has gone her own way, and this is very noticeable in our initiative group. Someone found a job, someone got married, someone improved their life, and someone is still just surviving - in the literal sense of the word.

That is why we always try to support the most vulnerable first. If suddenly someone from those who have already "got back on their feet" does not have enough help, then there is no resentment in our community - on the contrary, they themselves say: "First help those who have it the hardest." This is very touching and gives faith in people.

There is strong mutual support in our group. Girls help each other as best as they can: with a word, advice, sometimes just by being present. And sometimes a simple warm conversation weighs more than any material support. In times like these, being alone — is dangerous. This can lead to deep depression or even suicidal thoughts. And I am sincerely proud that our space has become a place where no one is left alone.

New people are joining us — not many, but there are those who have moved here from places where hostilities are very close by. Some are looking for work, some for safety, some for human warmth. And we try to accept everyone.

Our partnerships are also strengthening. We maintain warm, friendly relations with organizations that have supported us for years, for example, with the NGO "Rainbow Life" (ГО «Райдужне життя»). Together we hold important events. We recently organized an event for girls on the topic of gender-based violence. The participants received a referral to the "Sinevo" («Сінево») laboratory from the "Green Room" («Зелена кімната») project — it was a very valuable, expensive package of tests: hormones, tumor markers... Many of them would not have been able to afford such an examination at their own expense. In addition, the girls received certificates to "Silpo" and "Eva" supermarkets — this is also great support in our time.

I constantly monitor which organizations provide assistance and redirect my girls to where they can get the most necessary. It is important for me that no one is left without attention.

Initiative group of the SWs in Dnipro, 2025

ND: Natalia, how do you think Ukrainian society has changed over the years? Do you feel a shift in the attitude towards sex workers - is there more understanding in society or, on the contrary, new barriers have appeared?

Nataliya: To be honest, this year I feel even more strongly than before how society has changed. People have become more angry, exhausted, irritated. The standard of living has fallen very noticeably, prices are huge, and many are literally on the verge of survival. It is even difficult to talk about pensioners without pain - they are in the most dramatic situation. It is also noticeable that there are significantly fewer young men and young people in general on the streets. This is striking.

As for the attitude towards sex workers - in my opinion, it has hardly changed. Neither for the better nor for the worse. Although, to be honest, sometimes it seems that some people have even started to “envy” sex workers — they say, they have at least some kind of job and it pays better than “in the factory”. Of course, this is sarcasm, but I often hear this.

Telegram channels and media, which constantly inflame the atmosphere, have a very negative effect. They publish various “sensations”: control purchases, raids, “brothels of debauchery” — all this is presented as if this is the main problem of the country. And I keep thinking: why is this being done? What do they want to show with this? It only fuels aggression in society and forms an even more negative, stigmatized attitude towards sex workers.

This reminds me of how they publish stories about drug smugglers detained at the border. Well, they were detained — well, they did their job. But why spread this on all channels? To intimidate? The same with the raids on the “brothel”: a lot of noise, a lot of hate, and zero benefit. Only harm to people.

ND: You aptly noted that the media often set the tone that users pick up. Do you feel this negative impact on yourself through messages or comments on your profiles?

Natalie: Yes, there is negativity on social networks too. Most often, it’s just aggressive comments from people who don’t even try to understand the topic. For example, I once wrote under a post that it’s high time to decriminalize and legalize sex work, to allow people to work officially, open sole proprietorships and pay taxes. And then it started… There was so much anger! “What legalization? It’s a crime!” and so on.

It seems to me that many people simply think in categories that have been put into their heads for years on TV. They sincerely believe that “it’s right” because they were told so.

Therefore, in my opinion, we really lack high-quality educational information in the media about decriminalization and sex work in general. If we started talking about it calmly, professionally, without hate, society could change, and the attitude would be completely different. Because people really care about what they hear on the screens.

ND: And if we look inside the sex work sphere, how did the war and the crisis affect the sex services market? Can we talk about any cardinal changes in the structure of this market compared to the peaceful years?

Natalia: Over these four years of war, I see a clear trend: the number of women who remain in sex work is decreasing. And this is not because life has become easier — on the contrary. The risks have simply become too high, and many are no longer ready to take them.

The biggest fear is night work during curfew. It is dangerous to go out at night: if something happens, no one will come to help, you won’t be able to call a taxi, and there is also the risk of running into the police or the TCR - Territorial Center of Recruitment (ТЦК) on the way.

Many girls say that they have become afraid to work, because now there are so many military personnel on vacation, and some of them come in a state of alcohol intoxication. Many have a traumatized psyche due to the war, and girls simply do not know what to expect from such a client.

A separate problem is the behavior of TCR, who often feel completely unpunished. This adds to fear and uncertainty.

So for now the ones who work are mainly those who have their own long-standing, proven clients or recommendations from regulars. Because there are too many risks for new meetings - on both sides. By the way, many men are also afraid to go to salons or to addresses, because they understand that at any moment the police or TCR can “arrive” - and these are problems for everyone, without exception.

Finding clients has also become much more difficult. Nightclubs are open only until 11:00 PM, cafes and restaurants are open about the same. And then you have to get home somehow, and that’s also a risk. Because of this, working conditions have become much worse and more limited.

As for leaving the city, yes, some girls continue to go to safer regions or abroad. As for new sex workers, there are also fewer of them than before. And again, not because it has become easier, but on the contrary - because of fear, uncertainty and high risks. Most of those who came to this sphere earlier due to financial difficulties now choose other, albeit lower-paid, but safer options.

The influx of resettled women is no longer as large as in the early years of the war. But those who do come are sometimes really forced to consider sex work, because there are very few options for earning money in a new city. However, their percentage is now smaller than before, because in general the market has become more dangerous and less predictable.

In general, the situation has become tougher over the years: fewer opportunities, more fears, more risks and much less sense of security.

Mutual aid group for sex workers in Dnipro, 2025

ND: That is, both sex workers and male clients have decreased, the format of work has changed, and risks are increasing. How has all this affected the overall portrait of the client and the real incomes of girls in Dnipro?

Natalia: If we talk about the portrait of clients, then over the years it has changed noticeably.

There have been fewer clients in general, and this has automatically affected everything else - behavior, attitude, and even willingness to pay. Those who continue to go are usually more cautious and selective. Some have become afraid - both because of the raids of the TCR, and because of the police, and because of the general tension in society. On the other hand, there are those who already have a long experience of contact with girls, and they, on the contrary, are more attentive and careful, because they understand all the risks.

Prices have increased due to the decrease in the number of clients. This is especially noticeable now, if we compare it with the first years of the war. Those who continue to work actually earn more than at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. But here it all depends on what category of clients the girl works with and in what format.

The price increase is not so much about luxury, but about the fact that absolutely everything has become more expensive, and the market has simply adjusted to the new realities.

As for the impact of the TCR, it is enormous. The girls joke that "the TCR dispersed all the clients," but in fact there is a lot of truth in this. Raids, document checks, sudden raids - all this has made clients much more cautious. At the beginning of the war there was no such activity, and the situation was calmer. And over the past year it has only become more difficult: many men avoid going to salons or calling addresses precisely because of the fear of running into the TCR or a police squad.

If we compare incomes, before the war they were stable, predictable, at the beginning of the full-scale war earnings fell sharply, many stopped working altogether. Now prices have increased, but due to the decrease in the number of clients and general risks, incomes have not increased. It has also become more difficult, more dangerous and less predictable to work.

ND: You mention danger and unpredictability, so can we directly talk about the increase in violence in the sex work sector? What do the girls themselves say and what steps are they taking to minimize the risks to life and health?

Natalia: Fortunately, there were no testimonies of violence from those I know, and this is, of course, pleasing. As for the general level of violence in the sector, I cannot say for sure, but the risks have definitely increased.

In general, during these four years of war, the needs of the sex workers in the field of security and protection have expanded significantly. Many girls experience constant risks due to changing working conditions, the presence of armed men in the city, TCR raids and unpredictable behavior of clients. The feeling of danger has become one of the main stress factors.

In general, sex work is a constant balance between survival and risk, and each girl does everything she can to reduce the danger to herself. Girls work carefully, check clients, maintain contacts, use protective equipment and try to minimize health risks as much as possible. But, unfortunately, some are forced to agree to risky practices due to financial or other circumstances.

As the leader of the initiative group, I try to support the community in a comprehensive way. We conduct group and individual consultations, where we discuss: how to avoid risky situations; methods of checking clients; use safe routes and means of communication; psychological aspects of responding to threats, etc.

We also hold information sessions on safety, rights, and protection from violence. During these meetings, girls can share their own experiences, get advice from colleagues, and learn how to protect themselves without harming their health or work.

For example, one of the participants said that thanks to the consultation, she was able to create her own “safety plan”: checking clients, agreed signals for an ambulance, and a safe route home. This gave her more confidence and peace of mind while working. Another girl learned how to respond correctly to dangerous situations in an apartment or salon, how to avoid conflicts, and seek help when needed.

The community’s reaction is always positive: girls appreciate the opportunity to receive specific advice, support, and knowledge that really help reduce risks and feel more protected.

Humanitarian aid to sex workers from the CO “Legalife Ukraine”, Dnipro, 2025

ND: Natalia, please tell us how the needs of the community have changed over the past four years? What requests from the SWs are relevant now and what services do you provide in response?

Natalia: The needs of our community have changed somewhat over the past four years of war. Now, for most girls, communication and mutual support are the most important. And this is exactly what we try to provide during self-help groups, to create a safe environment in which you can share your problems without fear of judgment and receive support from your loved ones.

Otherwise, the needs of the community remain very basic: to have electricity, heating, something to wear and something to eat. We do everything possible to ensure that the community has access to basic things and household items, especially for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

Humanitarian aid from CO “Legalife-Ukraine” remains one of the main forms of support for many. Many girls are literally waiting for me to write or call to inform them about the meeting and the provision of aid. This is very touching, but at the same time it’s sad, because it shows how vulnerable people have become.

We also organized collections of things among the girls on several occasions: we went through the closets, put away what we didn’t wear or just lay idle. Then we gave these things to those who needed help and couldn’t afford to buy the necessary things. These were clothes of various kinds, children’s and warm, dishes, a hairdryer, and sometimes even a pilot’s hat — everything that could really help someone.

Personally, I gave away two oil heaters and an almost new TV that was once bought for my grandfather, but he hardly used it. The TV had been sitting idle for a long time and finally found a new owner.

These are small but very important stories that show that the community supports each other not only morally, but also practically. Such initiatives help girls feel cared and calm in difficult circumstances.

Humanitarian aid to sex workers from CO “Legalife-Ukraine”, Dnipro, 2025

ND: For the past four years, our organization has paid great attention to restoring the mental health of sex workers. How do your activists feel and how do you organize psychological support in conditions of constant stress?

Natalia: Over these four years of war, the psychological state of the community has significantly deteriorated. Many girls experience constant stress, anxiety, fatigue and fear due to uncertainty, danger and difficult life circumstances. Economic difficulties, limited job opportunities, as well as stigma and negative attitude from society have an additional impact.

As the leader of the initiative group, I try to support each girl not only practically, but also emotionally. We conduct group and individual consultations, during which we discuss: how to cope with stress; how to build mutual support in the community; safety and health issues; access to resources and help.

We also organize information sessions where we discuss psychological health, self-help methods and ways to overcome stress. Humanitarian assistance often accompanies these meetings, because for many girls, a basic sense of security and satisfaction of basic needs is directly related to psychological state.

One of the participants said that after the first group consultations and support from the community, she was able to feel not alone for the first time in a long time, and she began to plan her day more calmly and was even able to establish communication with clients without panic and fear. Another girl, thanks to the consultations, learned how to react correctly to aggressive clients and seek support from colleagues.

The girls’ feedback is always warm: they appreciate the opportunity to share their experiences, receive support and knowledge that help them feel more confident and protected in difficult circumstances.

ND: I know you started working as a paralegal, so I’m curious what initial legal challenges you’ve already faced and where, in your opinion, stigma and rights violations are most acutely felt right now? If you can, give an example of one of your recent cases.

Natalia: I started working as a paralegal quite recently, about a month or two ago, so I can’t give a very detailed answer yet about all areas of rights violations.

Despite this, I’m always ready to help those who seek support. If a girl faces rights violations or discrimination — be it in medical, police, social services, or other institutions — we try to find a solution together and support her.

So far, my consultations are more informational and preventive: I talk about rights, possible actions in difficult situations, and who to turn to for help. Over time, when I gain more practical experience, I will be able to provide more detailed advice and support in specific cases.

As an example of what SWs face, I will tell you about one painful case that I remember very well. Other paralegals and lawyers were involved in this case, and at that time I was just getting to know the situation and learning from the experience of these paralegals.

This is about a trans woman who lives in a small town and was fired from her job because of her identity. Because of this situation, she is constantly under tension, her fellow villagers simply do not give her peace, and life has become a real stress for her.

As of now, the solution is still ongoing. But this case left a strong impression on me - it shows how important it is to support people from vulnerable groups and fight for their rights, even in the most difficult circumstances.

ND: You could say that community leaders and paralegals are bridges between people and power structures. How have relations with the police and other state institutions changed over the years? Have they become more open to cooperation or, perhaps, the war has made this communication more closed and complicated?

Natalia: If we talk about institutions such as the Administrative Service Centres, tax, migration service, the situation has practically not changed. The principle of work has remained the same. For example, regarding ASСs, we turn to them mainly for the processing of documents, registration, obtaining certificates, that is, all basic administrative services, without which it is difficult for people to move on. We often accompany participants who are afraid or cannot go through all these procedures themselves. The only thing that has changed in recent years is additional difficulties: earlier, during an air raid, everyone was evacuated from the premises, now the factor of power outages has also been added. That is, now it turns out to be a kind of quest: you need to have time to resolve all the issues before the lights go out and the alarm is declared. So you often have to return several times to complete the same service.

The situation is worse with the police. For example, we contacted the police chief because we had several specific issues related to the safety of our community and the recording of cases of pressure and discrimination. It was important for us to get at least basic advice from him and understand how to act officially in the situations we encounter. In addition, we wanted to establish minimal working contact in order to be able to respond promptly in the event of incidents.

We tried to get to the police chief several times, but they never accepted us. They said that he was not there, and they did not let us into the department - they said that there was a war, the territory was fenced with barbed wire, concrete slabs and bars. In the end, we did not manage to get to him. So, we were forced to look for other ways: we consulted with lawyers, contacted hotlines, and some of the issues were resolved through higher authorities or online services.

That is, communication with state bodies has become more difficult and requires more patience, but formally everything seems to work the same as before.

ND: Since interaction with state structures is difficult, the main burden probably falls on partnerships with other NGOs. Who in Dnipro have you managed to build cooperation with?

Natalia: I cooperate with several organizations, and each of them helps the SWs in its own direction. All of these organizations help to cover the most important needs of SWs — from humanitarian and medical assistance to psychological support and protection of rights.

With the NGO "Rainbow Life" we work on supporting the LGBTIQ+ community, conduct information sessions, mobilize the community, provide consulting and crisis support.

The Red Cross Society helps us with humanitarian support — food and hygiene kits, assistance during emergencies, sometimes psychological support or referrals to specialists.

We cooperate with the NGO "Synergy of Souls" (ГО «Синергія душ») mainly in the field of psychological assistance: this is stabilizing the emotional state, working with trauma, supporting people who have experienced violence or difficult life events. The Center for Socially Significant Diseases (Центр Соціально Значущих Хвороб) provides testing for HIV and hepatitis, counseling, support for treatment, issuing rapid tests, and also supports in matters of prevention and access to medical services.

ND: Natalia, I am sincerely grateful to you for your frank conversation. Finally, I would like to ask you to give some advice to those young women and men who have just discovered their power to change the world but may still be hesitant.

Natalia: My advice to other activists, especially those who are just starting out, is not to be afraid to take the first steps and support each other. It is very important to remember that any action, even a small one, can change someone’s life for the better.

Support from colleagues and mutual assistance in the community is the basis of successful work. Do not hesitate to ask for advice, to share experiences and learn from each other.

It is also important to take care of yourself emotionally and physically: activism is often associated with stress, so remember about rest, psychological health and your own safety.

And most importantly, believe in your own strength. Even in difficult times, small steps, care and a sincere desire to help can have a huge impact on people’s lives.

Interview by Natalia Dorofeeva, CO “Legalife-Ukraine”