Postwoman Braving Danger on the Ukrainian Frontlines

In Ukraine, the role of a postal worker has taken on an unexpected and perilous dimension. For nearly three decades, Viktoria has been delivering mail in her home region, but the ongoing conflict has drastically altered her job's landscape. Now, she and her colleagues risk their lives to deliver essential pensions to villages near the frontlines, where many elderly residents remain stranded.

As banks in these areas have closed and ATMs no longer operate, Viktoria's deliveries are critical for the elderly, often impoverished residents who rely on these cash payments for their basic needs. On Christmas Eve, Viktoria fled her hometown of Pokrowsk as Russian forces advanced, forcing her to relocate to Dobropillja, where she now manages postal deliveries for the region.

Transporting cash in a war zone presents significant risks. Recently, one of their armored vehicles was targeted by a Russian drone, leading to the suspension of mail services to Pokrowsk. Despite these dangers, Viktoria and her driver, Serhii, continue their rounds to deliver pensions, navigating treacherous conditions where even the roads are marked by conflict.

On a particularly snowy Saturday, they set out for the village of Hyryschine. While they leave behind their drone detection device at the post office due to the weather, the journey is fraught with danger. The route is riddled with potholes and debris, and even though there are alternative roads, they are under fire from Russian artillery.

Upon arriving at Hyryschine, they find a community that has been largely abandoned, with only a handful of elderly residents remaining. Among them is Ljubow, a 74-year-old who expresses relief at the arrival of the postal workers. She, like many others, waits anxiously for her pension, which is vital for her survival, especially since the local shops have dwindled in number due to the ongoing conflict.

As the sound of distant explosions reverberates through the village, residents share their fears and concerns about the situation. Many express a desire to remain in their homes, despite the risks, as they have nowhere else to go. Ljubow, who receives a meager pension, worries about her future and the uncertainty of life in a war zone.

The atmosphere is tense, with the sounds of artillery fire reminding everyone of the ever-present threat. Residents discuss their fears, with some voicing a sense of resignation while others maintain hope for a peaceful resolution. Despite the grim circumstances, Viktoria remains focused on her mission to support her community, even as she personally grapples with her own fears.

As she distributes cash to the waiting residents, Viktoria reflects on her commitment to her job. While acknowledging the risks involved, she emphasizes the importance of her role in providing a lifeline to those who remain in these vulnerable areas. The post office has become a symbol of resilience amidst the chaos, embodying the spirit of community support in times of adversity.

Through all the fear and uncertainty, Viktoria's determination to fulfill her duties shines through, illustrating the extraordinary lengths to which individuals will go to support their communities during times of conflict.