As he prepares for another rescue mission on Ukraine's eastern front, Anton Yaremchuk, 35, is grateful for the fog that will protect him and his colleague Pylyp from Russian drones. Despite the partial protection of their armored van, each journey carries significant risk.
Recounting a previous drone attack in December, Anton acknowledges their luck in surviving with injuries but no fatalities.
Currently focused on the besieged city of Pokrovsk, Anton describes the relentless attacks and the looming threat as Russian forces advance to within 2km. With around 7,000 people still present, his mission is to extract as many civilians as possible.
Since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Anton, a Ukrainian cinematographer, returned from Berlin, co-founded the aid organization Base UA, and has successfully evacuated approximately 3,000 individuals to safer locations away from the front lines.
Pokrovsk, once a haven, now faces imminent danger if captured by Russian forces, which would cut off a vital supply route and key transport hub for the Ukrainian military.
As Anton readies for the journey, equipped with medical supplies and an unwavering commitment symbolized by his jacket slogan "leave no-one behind," he emphasizes the need to remain cautious due to the ongoing threat of being targeted.
Accompanied by Olga, a 71-year-old evacuee forced to leave her home of 65 years behind, the journey through a desolate and war-torn Pokrovsk underscores the heart-wrenching impact of the conflict on civilians like her.
Throughout the evacuation operation, Anton encounters individuals hesitant to leave for various reasons, highlighting the complex decisions facing those caught in the crossfire of war.
Looking ahead, Anton remains cautious about the future and skeptical about the prospects of immediate peace talks yielding a ceasefire, anticipating intensified fighting as both sides vie for strategic advantage.
As Anton and his team continue their perilous work amid escalating dangers and increased casualties, the resolve to rescue innocent lives remains unwavering despite the mounting costs and challenges they face.