In brief
Amid the chaos of war, Anton Yaremchuk is a beacon of hope for the remaining residents of Pokrovsk, a city under relentless assault. As the 35-year-old cinematographer and co-founder of Base UA prepares for yet another evacuation mission, he relies on the cover of fog to shield himself from Russian drones hunting civilians and aid workers from above. "Every journey could be the last," he acknowledges, as he recalls a recent attack that struck dangerously close to home.
Pokrovsk, once a haven and bustling industrial center, now stands on the brink of collapse with Russian forces edging ever closer—just 2 kilometers away. Around 7,000 residents, many elderly, remain in the city despite the ongoing detonation of explosives. With more than 3,000 successful evacuations since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Anton and his team are unwavering in their mission to provide assistance to those trapped in "a nightmare."As they approach their destination, the reminders of war become painfully evident: abandoned streets, boarded-up homes, and the constant sound of explosions pierce through the bitter cold. Among those Anton finds is 71-year-old Olga. Vulnerable yet resolute, Olga struggles with the decision to leave her home of 65 years—a place she refers to as “hell.” Her children and grandchildren have already fled, leaving her to weigh her heavy memories against a precarious future.Many residents are reluctant to abandon their homes, clinging to the hope of returning when the fighting subsides. "My son has died, and I need to be near his grave," one elderly woman insists. Anton, embodying compassion and understanding, urges her to consider her safety instead.The situation intensifies as Anton warns of impending street battles and possible escalation in violence. His caravan of evacuations continues while he remains ever vigilant, even as the last evacuees board the armored van—a poignant moment filled with unspoken fears and heart-wrenching goodbyes.With each passing day, Anton bears witness to the human tragedies wrought by war. He expresses deep grief for the innocent lives disrupted as they flee their homes, seizing on their resilience in the face of despair. Yet, the threat looms larger as one of his teams recently fell victim to drone attacks—underscoring the continuous risk faced by those working tirelessly to save lives.Amidst the chaos, a Ukrainian police unit, the White Angels, perseveres with rescue missions, navigating the treacherous landscape in hopes of safeguarding the remaining residents. Inside Pokrovsk, life grinds on in freezing darkness, with those left behind depending on the fleeting assistance of others while grappling with the overwhelming uncertainty of their existence.As the situation unfolds, the resilience of people like Anton Yaremchuk shines through, though as he reflects, he cannot help but wonder how much longer this struggle for survival will continue. The scars of war may run deep, but so does the determination to save lives amidst the rubble of a fading city.
