Ukrainian Volunteers Risk Lives to Evacuate Civilians from War Zones

As Russian forces continue their advance in eastern Ukraine, an increasing number of civilians are forced to flee their homes. For those unable to escape on their own, evacuation teams such as East SOS are risking their lives to provide a lifeline.

In Kostiantynivka, a 71-year-old man named Leonid lay helpless in his home for a week, nearly succumbing to starvation before a neighbor discovered him and alerted East SOS workers. This marked the beginning of Vladislav and Oleksander's dangerous mission to evacuate civilians from frontline areas.

Upon reaching Leonid's home, the two volunteers carefully assist him to the East SOS vehicle, which will transport him to a temporary shelter in Pavlohrad, further west. The uncertainty of whether he will ever return home looms large, as Russian troops are now within ten kilometers of his residence. With his belongings packed into two plastic bags, Leonid's plight underscores the dire situation faced by many in the region.

Oleksander navigates the vehicle at breakneck speeds along treacherous roads, avoiding becoming an easy target for Russian artillery and drones. The journey is marked by passing ruins of buildings and abandoned public spaces that were once bustling with life. Before the invasion began three years ago, Kostiantynivka was home to approximately 67,000 residents, most of whom have since fled.

Further along their route, they encounter Svitlana, a 61-year-old woman prepared to leave her home. Dressed in a fur coat and hat, she expresses her intention to move in with her nephew in Dnipro, while her neighbors bid her farewell. In stark contrast, others like Elena and Ina decline evacuation, citing personal attachments and financial constraints.

Suddenly, explosions rock the area as Russian artillery shells land nearby. The sound of detonations reverberates, heightening the tension and danger for the evacuation team. Previous missions have seen volunteers injured or killed, and Vladislav and Oleksander recall a close call when a rocket struck just meters from their vehicle.

While the East SOS team manages to avoid direct hits, other rescue workers in Kostiantynivka are not as fortunate. Reports indicate that a drone attack injured several people, including aid workers responding to an earlier incident.

Despite the risks, the East SOS team persists in their mission. They attempt to convince Elena and Ina to join the evacuation, but both women refuse, preferring to stay in their homes despite the ongoing danger.

With Svitlana safely aboard, the volunteers hasten to leave the area as they have another patient to transport from the local hospital. The hospital is overwhelmed with casualties, further illustrating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The team reaches Nikolai, a patient in need of urgent care. As they carefully transfer him to the transport vehicle, he expresses his pain and discomfort, highlighting the grim reality of those still in the conflict zone.

As the vehicle departs Kostiantynivka, the team reflects on the gratitude expressed by those they assist. Many evacuees have shared their relief at being rescued from what they describe as hellish conditions. Vladislav and Oleksander, both from Donetsk, have continued their efforts despite the risks, driven by a sense of duty and the urgent need to help their fellow citizens.

The ongoing conflict has dramatically altered the landscape of their homeland, with the need for support and evacuation services growing more critical by the day. The commitment of volunteers like Vladislav and Oleksander illustrates the resilience and determination of those working to protect the vulnerable amidst the chaos of war.