In brief
Ukrainian filmmaker Anton Yaremchuk leads efforts to evacuate civilians amid the continuous threat of Russian attacks, highlighting the dire situation in the besieged city.
In an urgent mission filled with peril, Anton Yaremchuk, a 35-year-old Ukrainian cinematographer, embarks on dangerous rescue operations in Pokrovsk, a city increasingly under siege by Russian forces. Protectively using fog as cover from vigilant drones, Yaremchuk's armoured vehicle represents a fragile shield against the persistent danger. “Every journey could be the last,” he reflects, having narrowly escaped serious harm in previous missions.Pokrovsk, once regarded as a safe refuge for locals, now teeters on the brink of destruction, with Russian troops advancing to within 2km (1.2 miles) of the city. The deteriorating situation has reduced the population to around 7,000, predominantly elderly residents who now face what Yaremchuk describes as a "nightmare." Since the full-scale invasion by Russia began in February 2022, Yaremchuk has committed himself to aiding civilians, helping evacuate approximately 3,000 people from conflict zones.The dire conditions are starkly evident as Yaremchuk approaches Pokrovsk. Buildings lie in ruins, and the eerily quiet streets are devoid of life. Amidst the chaos, he encounters Olga, a 71-year-old resident preparing to abandon the home she has lived in for 65 years. “It’s like hell,” she says, torn between her love for her home and the reality of the ongoing war, echoing the sentiments of many who are forced to leave loved ones and memories behind. Despite his efforts to encourage those still in the city to evacuate, many residents resist, clinging to their homes for dear life. One elderly woman expresses her unwillingness to leave her deceased son's grave, highlighting the emotional weight of their decisions amidst the chaos. Yaremchuk distributes leaflets about evacuation logistics, confronting skepticism from those who have endured relentless hardship through war. As Yaremchuk assists yet another elderly woman into his crowded vehicle, memories of past evacuations flood back. His current mission reflects the continued suffering of civilians despite long-standing efforts for aid. The situation is dire, with no access to gas, water, or electricity, leaving many residents vulnerable to aerial bombardments.Elderly evacuees, burdened with memories of a life disrupted, sit silently in the van alongside Lyuba, a 75-year-old survivor of the relentless fighting, capturing the grim reality of war. With casualties mounting and conditions worsening, Yaremchuk laments the emotional toll of these missions. Recent violence has forced Yaremchuk's team to halt evacuations after sustaining injuries in drone attacks. Yet, another dedicated unit—the White Angels—continues to carry out rescue missions, albeit with increased caution. As the remaining elderly members of Pokrovsk await an uncertain future, the once-thriving city remains a haunting reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis amidst a relentless war.
