Kurakhove, a city in eastern Ukraine, finds itself in a dire situation as Russian forces advance closer, with the city center just under 2 miles away. Despite the ongoing conflict, between 700 and 1,000 local residents remain in Kurakhove, mostly sheltering in basements without basic amenities like running water, heating, or electricity. The lack of humanitarian aid since mid-October has exacerbated the already challenging conditions.
The city has been under relentless attack from artillery, rocket launchers, aerial bombs, and drones, resulting in the destruction of essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and water treatment plants. The once vibrant city now lies in ruins, with smoke-filled air and constant artillery fire as a backdrop.
The local authorities, including police and Territorial Defense Forces, are still present in Kurakhove, but the situation remains precarious. The 33rd Brigade artillerymen are firing around 50 shells daily in a desperate attempt to fend off Russian forces encroaching on the city.
Access to Kurakhove is perilous, with the main road dubbed the 'road of death' due to frequent drone attacks. The only lifeline for the city is the 'White Angels' evacuation group, comprised of local police officers and volunteers. They risk their lives daily to provide aid, evacuate civilians, and deliver essential supplies using an armored vehicle equipped with electronic warfare gear.
One of the group's critical missions is evacuating children, who often hide in basements to escape the bombings. The White Angels ensure the safety of these children, providing them with protective gear before transporting them to safer locations for registration as refugees.
Despite the challenging and dangerous conditions, the White Angels and local authorities continue their relentless efforts to support the remaining residents of Kurakhove. The police chief acknowledges the toll this conflict has taken on his team, describing their existence as living in an 'unhealthy state of mind' driven by survival instincts.
The resilience and dedication of these individuals in the face of adversity highlight the harsh realities of modern warfare and the human cost of conflict in Kurakhove.
