Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine shows no sign of coming to an end, and as a result, the need to evacuate civilians from the conflict zones is becoming increasingly urgent. In their quest to take over Ukrainian cities and towns, Russian forces are resorting to brutal tactics, leaving civilians trapped in the middle of a devastating conflict. Many civilians choose to stay in their homes until the very last moment, often waiting until their homes are destroyed or their neighborhoods are bombed before seeking refuge elsewhere. Volunteers and non-profit organizations play a crucial role in facilitating evacuations from the frontlines in Kherson and Donbas, but improved messaging and outreach is needed from the Ukrainian government.
These individuals and groups work tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected by the conflict, often risking their own safety to help others. One such organization is Dobra Sprava (good deed), which is a Dnipro-based charity organization that daily evacuates people from the frontline areas. Additionally, the team has been helping people flee the war zone since the first days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In April 2022, it formally registered as an NGO. In cooperation with local authorities and charity foundations, the volunteers of Dobra Sprava bring humanitarian aid to the frontline cities and place the evacuees in shelters in Dnipro.
With a team of over 20 dedicated volunteers, the organization coordinates requests, manages the placement of evacuees in shelters, and provides essential psychological, medical, and legal assistance to those in need.
Due to Russia’s full-scale war, about 5.3 million of Ukrainians are now internally displaced, according to the U.N. refugee agency. The Ukrainian government developed and implemented a comprehensive program to support IDPs fleeing frontline cities and temporarily occupied territories. Those registered as internally displaced people (IDPs) can receive a monthly allowance of UAH 2,000 per adult and UAH 3,000 ($60-80) per child. To encourage IDPs to work, the government offers employers a subsidy of UAH 6,500 ($175) per employee from the temporarily occupied territory. Additionally, local governments and volunteer organizations provide humanitarian aid, free evacuation, accessible shelters, and free psychological, medical, and legal support.
As is often the case, when government aid falls short, dedicated volunteers step up to fill in the gaps. Alina Holovko, the lead coordinator of Dobra Sprava, remembers: “When the war started, my friend and I made Molotov cocktails in my friend’s garage. We didn’t sleep. I felt a strong urge to help, so I tried to join the army,” Alina recalls. “As many of my relatives and friends lived in Kharkiv, we helped them move to Dnipro, and with each trip, we realized that more and more people required assistance. So, a few friends and I pooled our resources, purchased an old bus, renovated it, and began daily evacuations.”
Dobra Sprava’s volunteers have been providing vital humanitarian aid to frontline cities and helping to place evacuees in shelters in Dnipro. To ensure the safety of both evacuees and drivers, the organization must continually analyze the constantly shifting frontline and adjust its routes accordingly. Despite government and volunteer support and ongoing hostilities, many people continue to refuse evacuation and choose to live on the fringes of the battlefield without access to basic necessities like water and electricity. To help persuade those who are hesitant to evacuate, Dobra Sprava’s dedicated volunteers constantly explain the available support and show available shelters.
Why do people refuse to evacuate? Some are unemployed and lack savings, which makes them believe that staying where they are is their best option since they at least have a place to sleep. According to Alina Holovko, some people whom the organization evacuated have returned to the conflict zone. Many struggle with adjusting to a new city and the trauma of the conflict, causing some to return to their homes on the frontlines. Some individuals have even called the organization multiple times, requesting to be evacuated again.
Many locals, especially elderly ones, have been exposed to Russian propaganda for many decades and have a deeply rooted Soviet mentality, which makes them see the Russian army as liberators rather than aggressors. Some even believe that the Ukrainians are responsible for bombing their cities.
To improve the effectiveness of evacuations, the Ukrainian government should enhance information and outreach efforts. Clear and informative communication is crucial, ensuring that refugees are aware of the specific benefits available to them and understand how to access them. It is especially important to address the concerns of residents living on the frontlines, particularly in regions like Donbas where Russian propaganda remains influential.
Countering the prevalent narrative of potential discrimination against IDPs remains a crucial challenge. Tailored messaging serves as a promising tool to tackle this issue, bolstered by its potential to dismantle such unfounded claims perpetuated by the occupiers.
Whether the local population receives guidance from authorities regarding transportation options, assistance available in their new location, or a comprehensive list of personal belongings to bring along, having a well-crafted relocation plan makes people 5-10% more willing to evacuate.
The government should continue to engage with local communities, leaders, and grassroot organizations to try and evacuate more civilians from frontlines in order to allow Ukrainian soldiers to better carry out their operations. Considering the safety of both civilians and Ukrainian soldiers fighting in conflict areas, it may be worth considering the implementation of more mandatory evacuation measures under specific conditions.
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