As Anton Yaremchuk readies himself for another daring rescue operation in Ukraine’s eastern region, he finds solace in the cover of fog that will shield him and his partner Pylyp from the watchful eyes of Russian drones scouring the skies. Though their armored van offers a measure of protection, each journey is fraught with peril, a stark reminder of the dangers they face.
In a recent close call, shrapnel from a drone strike tore through their clearly marked vehicle, causing injuries but mercifully no fatalities. “We were incredibly fortunate,” Anton reflects.
His current focus lies on the besieged city of Pokrovsk, under relentless assault day and night by advancing Russian forces now mere kilometers away. “The situation is dire,” Anton shares. “Despite the chaos, there are still around 7,000 people trapped there. Our mission is to extract as many as we can from this nightmare.”
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Anton, a Ukrainian cinematographer who abandoned his life in Berlin to return home, has been at the forefront of rescue efforts through his organization, Base UA. Together with his team, he has evacuated approximately 3,000 civilians from harm’s way, relocating them to safer regions away from the frontlines.
Pokrovsk, once a sanctuary known for its safety and the presence of a major hospital, now faces an uncertain fate. Its potential fall to Russian forces threatens to sever a crucial supply chain and transport link for the Ukrainian military. Moreover, the region’s sole coking coal mine, vital for Ukraine’s steel industry, has ceased operations due to the encroaching Russian troops.
Accompanying Anton on the perilous journey to Pokrovsk, we witness the ravages of war etched into the desolate cityscape. The streets lay deserted, structures lie in ruins, and a pall of silence hangs heavy over the snow-covered rooftops devoid of chimney smoke. A lone car sporting a white flag stands as a poignant symbol of surrender amid the desolation.
Yet amid the desolation, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of Olga, a resilient 71-year-old woman clad in a lilac winter coat, awaiting evacuation. With a heavy heart, she locks the doors of her home, a sanctuary for 65 years, and embarks on a journey into uncertainty. “It’s heartbreaking to leave everything behind,” Olga confides. “But staying is no longer living; it’s akin to a living hell. The ground trembles with each explosion.”
As we traverse the war-torn landscape, Anton’s unwavering commitment to saving lives shines through. Encouraging those he encounters to seek safety, he distributes leaflets outlining the evacuation process, emphasizing the assistance available in Pavlohrad. Yet, some remain hesitant to leave their homes.
“I must
In a poignant moment, an elderly woman shares her heartbreak, revealing, “My son has passed away, and I feel the need to be close to his resting place.” However, in a touching display of compassion, Anton gently expresses doubt, saying, “I don’t believe he would desire this.” As the journey continues, we encounter a group of three individuals fetching water, drawing a somber warning from Anton about the impending street clashes that loom ahead. “Regrettably, I assure you of this,” he solemnly states. “From day one, I have witnessed the same scenario unfold everywhere. This marks the ultimate phase.”
Amidst the uncertainty and tension, a woman steps forward to accept a leaflet, bidding Anton, “May God protect you,” before continuing on her path. Anton’s pace quickens as he navigates from one location to the next, tirelessly seeking to assist those in need. Even when met with closed doors, he persists, scaling tall gates and imploring neighbors in his quest to locate a missing woman. Despite his efforts, the elusive figure remains beyond reach, prompting us to forge ahead.
Reflecting on the political landscape and the return of President Trump to the White House, I query Anton about his outlook for 2025. His response is measured, indicating a reluctance to speculate on the future. “I refrain from looking too far ahead,” he admits. “Predicting outcomes of negotiations or the likelihood of a ceasefire remains uncertain.” Foreseeing heightened conflict as negotiations unfold, Anton anticipates a struggle for supremacy from both sides, exacerbating the existing turmoil.
Our final pickup of the day introduces us to Lyuba, a 75-year-old woman with a demeanor marked by loss and trepidation. Her belongings reduced to a few plastic bags, she recounts the hardships endured in a region devoid of essential services and security. Amidst the backdrop of explosions, she shares her harrowing reality, highlighting the absence of basic necessities such as gas, water, and electricity. As she joins the group of elderly evacuees in the van, a sense of desolation pervades the air, punctuated only by the presence of a lone black cat peering out from a carrier.
For Anton, this scene is all too familiar, yet no less distressing. From our initial encounter amidst the scorching heat of 2022 to the current bitter winter of Ukraine’s enduring conflict, he and his fellow volunteers persist in their mission to rescue those caught in the crossfire. Their efforts, while noble, come at a steep price, with recent incidents underscoring the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in the region.
Following an attack on one of Anton’s teams by a Russian drone, the evacuation efforts from Pokrovsk and other frontline areas have been temporarily halted. Despite this setback, a dedicated Ukrainian police unit known as the White Angels continues to conduct rescue operations with vigilance and caution. Within the city limits, elderly residents huddle in dark
