Anton Yaremchuk, a 35-year-old Ukrainian cinematographer, has traded his life of creativity in Berlin for a mission of mercy in war-torn Ukraine. Together with a dedicated team, he co-founded Base UA, a small aid organization committed to evacuating civilians from the front-line areas of the conflict. Since the onset of the war in February 2022, Anton and his team have successfully evacuated approximately 3,000 civilians from the city of Pokrovsk, a critical military hub now under relentless attack.
Pokrovsk's strategic importance cannot be overstated. As a vital supply and transport center for the Ukrainian military, its capture by Russian forces would severely undermine Ukraine's defense capabilities. Despite the city's significance, the escalating danger has forced Anton's team to suspend evacuations. The risk posed by drone attacks has become too great, as evidenced by an incident in December when shrapnel from a drone attack ripped through their clearly marked armored vehicle, resulting in injuries but miraculously no fatalities.
Among the injured was a 28-year-old British volunteer who displayed remarkable bravery while saving civilians, losing an arm and a leg in the process. He is currently stable in hospital. Such acts of courage underscore the perilous conditions faced by those remaining in Pokrovsk. Approximately 7,000 residents remain, primarily elderly individuals who continue to live under the threat of Russian glide bombs and artillery.
Residents face heart-wrenching choices as they contemplate evacuation. One elderly woman, grappling with an unimaginable loss, expressed her reluctance to leave.
"My son has died, and I need to be near his grave." – an elderly woman
This sentiment is echoed by others who struggle with leaving their homes behind.
"It's hard to leave everything behind. But it's not life any more, it's like hell. In the beginning we thought maybe we will sit it out, but now the ground is shaking." – a woman
Despite these challenges, Anton and his team remain resolute in their mission to save as many lives as possible. They have learned to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of warfare, using natural elements such as fog to their advantage. The fog allows them to move undetected and evade drone attacks, thus continuing their life-saving efforts amid extreme adversity.
Anton is acutely aware of the unpredictability of the conflict and remains cautious about the prospects for peace.
"I think nobody really knows what's going to happen. I personally don't think that even if some kind of negotiations will start, they will bring a ceasefire anytime soon." – Anton
His words reflect a sobering reality for those involved in such humanitarian endeavors, where each day presents new challenges and uncertainties.
The resilience and determination of Anton and his team are emblematic of those working tirelessly on the front lines to alleviate human suffering. Their efforts serve as a beacon of hope for those living in fear and uncertainty. As they continue to navigate moving front lines and mounting dangers, their mission remains clear: to save whoever they can from the clutches of war.
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