In brief
As Russian forces close in on the city of Pokrovsk, Anton Yaremchuk leads evacuation missions amidst chaos and danger, highlighting the struggle of civilians in conflict zones.
In the shadow of war-torn Pokrovsk, Anton Yaremchuk, a Ukrainian cinematographer turned evacuation volunteer, risks his life daily to rescue civilians from the frontline. The once peaceful industrial city is under constant threat, with Russian troops advancing perilously close—now just 2 kilometers away. Adorned in protective gear and equipped with a tourniquet, Anton navigates the treacherous landscape amidst explosions and chaos, his armoured van serving as a temporary shield against aerial assaults.“Our mission is to save as many lives as possible,” he asserts, as he recounts his experience evacuating almost 3,000 civilians since February 2022. Among the remaining 7,000 residents, predominantly elderly individuals like 71-year-old Olga, families are torn apart, and the echoes of shattering lives resonate in their stories. “It’s like hell now,” she says, her voice heavy with the weight of leaving her home of 65 years, while others cling to mementos and memories despite the constant danger.As Anton implores those still in Pokrovsk to seek safety, the urgency grows amidst dwindling resources. With no gas, water, or electricity, the grim reality sets in—many remain tethered to the past, reluctant to abandon the remnants of their life. One woman even refuses evacuation, stating she wouldn’t leave her son’s grave, emphasizing the invisible chains of sorrow connecting the living to the dead.Daily, Anton drives through the city filled with desolation, witnessing firsthand the aftermath of relentless bombings; boarded-up homes and deserted streets tell a tale of loss and despair. The ongoing conflict has not only disrupted lives but also devastated local resources, further complicating the evacuation efforts. As he encourages one more elderly resident to fill the cramped van, he reflects on the ongoing struggle and the potential for future peace talks, noting the unpredictability of the war's trajectory.Given the ever-present danger, another recent harrowing incident struck Anton’s team when a volunteer was severely injured by a drone strike while carrying out an evacuation mission. This tragic turn has forced Anton's group to temporarily halt operations in Pokrovsk, leaving many civilians still at risk in their vulnerable state.“Every life we save matters, but it comes at a significant cost,” Anton voices, sharing his emotional burden of witnessing the devastation and misery inflicted by war. Just like many others still braving the chilling winter's grip within basements and unlit homes, the remaining residents of Pokrovsk remain uncertain about their futures as the battle looms ever closer. Amid uncertainty and danger, the human cost of war continues to escalate, leaving Anton and his team steadfast in their commitment to rescue those in need, even as their own safety hangs in the balance.
