The Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine has long been in Moscow's sights. Vladimir Putin reportedly says he'll freeze the war in return for full control of it. Russia already controls 70% of Donetsk and nearly all of neighbouring Luhansk - and is making slow but steady advances.
I head to the front-line Donetsk town of Dobropillia with two humanitarian volunteers, just 8km (five miles) from Russia's positions. They're on a mission to bring the sick, elderly, and children to safety.
Initially, the operation runs smoothly. We speed into town in an armoured vehicle, equipped with drone-jamming technology. However, the streets grow desolate as more residents flee the escalating danger.
Many buildings are damaged, and the town has been without water for over a week. Local volunteers have made multiple trips to evacuate those unwilling or unable to leave.
As the volunteers work, they confront daily threats from Russian drones overhead, exemplifying the precarious situation for civilians. The local humanitarian workers, Laarz and Varia, continue their efforts, vital in rescuing people amidst ongoing conflicts, while expressing deep concern for the future of their region.
Amidst the chaos, evacuees like Anton share their fears, emphasizing the uncertainty of whether they will ever return home. As military pressures increase, the community’s fate hangs in the balance, illustrating a profound struggle for safety and a desire for peace in the face of relentless adversity.
I head to the front-line Donetsk town of Dobropillia with two humanitarian volunteers, just 8km (five miles) from Russia's positions. They're on a mission to bring the sick, elderly, and children to safety.
Initially, the operation runs smoothly. We speed into town in an armoured vehicle, equipped with drone-jamming technology. However, the streets grow desolate as more residents flee the escalating danger.
Many buildings are damaged, and the town has been without water for over a week. Local volunteers have made multiple trips to evacuate those unwilling or unable to leave.
As the volunteers work, they confront daily threats from Russian drones overhead, exemplifying the precarious situation for civilians. The local humanitarian workers, Laarz and Varia, continue their efforts, vital in rescuing people amidst ongoing conflicts, while expressing deep concern for the future of their region.
Amidst the chaos, evacuees like Anton share their fears, emphasizing the uncertainty of whether they will ever return home. As military pressures increase, the community’s fate hangs in the balance, illustrating a profound struggle for safety and a desire for peace in the face of relentless adversity.
