Frontline Heroes: The Brave Mission to Rescue Animals in Ukraine

“Currently, the situation in Ukraine is very difficult. While the Russian aggression has not at all decreased, and the attacks are getting heavier, international awareness and support are not as strong as back in 2022. During the past weeks, Russia has been heavily shelling the Kharkiv and Kherson regions, trying to occupy the regions. Dozens of civilians are killed weekly, yet it is more difficult to engage international communities in the public dialogue about the need to condemn and stop Russian genocidal and ecocidal actions and help Ukraine restore the damages.” – Olga Chevganiuk, Head of International Department at UAnimals

In May 2024, the UAnimals team undertook a mission to rescue animals from the frontline villages and cities of the Kherson region of Ukraine. They successfully evacuated approximately 40 animals, many given to them by military personnel including dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. Several pregnant cats had given birth just a few hours before the team’s arrival, making the trip even more challenging as they had to quickly transport the newborn kittens to safety.

A newborn kitten rests in hands of UAnimals evacuation team member Vlad. The kitten was discovered inside a box in a barn, where his mother had given birth apparently only hours before. Both the kitten and his mother were evacuated. Ukraine, 2024. Anzhelika Kozachenko / UAnimals / We Animals Media

“When we were evacuating animals from the city of Kherson, which is close to the frontline, we heard explosions in the distance, probably caused by Russian artillery shooting in the direction of Kherson. However, the local volunteers were not afraid of explosion sounds, they were so used to them. What struck me was that one of the volunteers, who lives in Kherson and evacuates, treats and fosters animals, smiled and was as positive as possible. And that’s all in such scary living conditions. Despite living in constant danger, she, like other volunteers, does as much as possible for stray and abandoned animals. These people are superheroes.” – Anzhelika Kozachenko, UAnimals Volunteer & Photographer

“I hope more people learn about the evacuation trips organized by UAnimals. Many people still do not know that there is such an amazing organization in Ukraine creating so many projects related to animal rescue and protection. I want more people to discover information about how important these evacuation trips are. I want everyone who comes across this publication to understand that members of the UAnimals team evacuate animals from the frontline areas and take them to safer locations, basically saving their lives while risking their own” – Anzhelika Kozachenko

Ukraine, 2024. Anzhelika Kozachenko / UAnimals / We Animals Media

About UAnimals’ mission and work

UAnimals’ mission is to reduce animal suffering and counter the consequences of the environmental destruction caused by Russia’s invasion. Every day, UAnimals evacuates animals from the frontlines, provides medical assistance including a free sterilization program, and rebuilds shelters destroyed by Russian shelling, in addition to conducting global awareness campaigns around the environmental issues Ukraine is facing amid Russia’s occupation.

Learn more about UAnimals’ work.

What can we do to help?

As long as the news is coming from trusted sources, UAnimals encourages people worldwide to help them raise awareness about the ecocide and genocide being committed by Russia in Ukraine. Keeping media dialogue alive and active is crucial for international awareness and support.

Follow UAnimals on social media:

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Donate to UAnimals’ open call for specific and general donations.

Join UAnimals’ international community events, including monthly protests.

UAnimals rescuer Danya (L) stands inside an evacuation vehicle car near fellow UAnimals rescuer Vlad (R) while they prepare the vehicle for a trip to an evacuation location. Ukraine, 2024. Anzhelika Kozachenko / UAnimals / We Animals Media