WASHINGTON — President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation has initiated one of the most controversial military actions in recent European and global history, invading Ukraine under false pretenses. Now, members of the adult entertainment and camming community in both countries are speaking out about how the ongoing conflict is impacting their personal and professional lives.

Amid the invasion, I have been contacted by 15 adult entertainment performers and content creators. Thirteen perform through platforms like OnlyFans from their homes in Ukraine, which include major population centers like Odesa, Kyiv, and Lviv. The other two, who do the same, are openly opposed to Putin’s invasion and live in seclusion and relative privacy in Russia. These models have taken great risks to their safety and financial stability to speak out about the invasion. Some are so concerned for their safety in these turbulent times that I changed their stage names to pseudonyms as an additional precaution.

“Tasha,” an OnlyFans model, told me that she’s concerned for the safety of her whole country.

“The worst thing to realize is that two fraternal peoples faced each other, in an unequal battle, where they try to show my native country as an aggressor, we alone are just defending our sovereignty, it’s very scary to go out into the streets and I hope that this will end soon,” Tasha said.

“I want the world to know that we only want peace and do not want to suffer, we want to be friends with everyone and quickly return to our everyday life,” she added.

On the other end of the conflict, “Ana”, a Russian model, said that she is opposed to the conflict put on by her home country.

“Adult for me is an art, but in Russia, this topic is forbidden, taboo,” Ana explained. She’s based in a suburban community outside of a major community in Russia and would only speak to me anonymously, as she is concerned about facing persecution from the local authorities.

“We are treated like lepers. we have to hide our activities,” Ana said. “As for war and art, it’s hard to say yet, because we’ve only survived the first day: the Ruble falls, with Russian shares too. What will happen next is not known. People withdrew their cash and they fear tomorrow. Well, I hope that this situation will change soon. With nontolerance and political issues. I wanna live in peace and love with all people.”

Other models who’ve contacted me have asked me to contact them again for comments in the coming weeks, for a better understanding of how the war is impacting their financial and personal security. YNOT will continue to report on the industry’s efforts to support the adult professionals, models, and creators impacted by the invasion, as well.

Last Friday, YNOT reported that ImLive.com has initiated an effort at the TES Affiliate Conference in Sitges, Spain, to assist Ukrainians in attendance who have no means to return home due to the travel restrictions and closure of airports caused by the Russian invasion.

ImLive Steps Up to Help Ukrainian Attendees of TEShttps://t.co/ox5DE0LTPH@imlivecom @TheEuroSummit

— YNOT – Adult Entertainment News (@YNOTdotcom) February 26, 2022

Paxum Inc., a global payment processing company that specializes in high-risk businesses like the adult industry, announced they are offering support to Ukraine-based models and performers, including free evacuation transit from border cities.

Unfortunately, Ukrainian models are currently going through a crisis, and everybody should do their part to help, including us. Therefore, we would like to help the Webcam and Adult Videochat Community in Ukraine.

— Paxum Inc (@paxuminc) February 26, 2022

“Unfortunately, Ukrainian models are currently going through a crisis, and everybody should do their part to help, including us,” notes Paxum, via their Twitter. “Therefore, we would like to help the Webcam and Adult Videochat Community in Ukraine.”

“We will provide free transportation from the major border cities with Ukraine in Romania, plus we will provide free Hotel Accommodations in Romania for Webcam Industry performers and models that truly need assistance.”

Free Speech Coalition director of public affairs Mike Stabile, based in the United States, also tweeted his concerns.

“Watching Ukrainian invasion is heartbreaking regardless, but if you work in adult, you likely have friends and colleagues who are worried about family and are working to get out co-workers,” Stabile said. He also shared a link to a webpage with ways to support Ukraine.

Photo of protestors by Katie Godowski from Pexels