Explosions outside the window, sirens, smoke filling the sky. Yesterday it was your city, your home, and today it is a battlefield. People who until recently lived a normal, peaceful life are now on the line of fire, and their chances of survival are diminishing with each passing day. But even under the threat of death, they are in no hurry to leave their homes. ‘My home is all I have left,’ those who stay stubbornly repeat, despite all the warnings. For many, evacuation is a step into the unknown, a challenge they are not ready to face. Every minute in the shelling zone becomes a game with death, and the fear of losing the last thing – their walls, their land – is more paralysing than the threat of a shell.
On the other hand, there are those who travel to the war zones every day, risking their lives to give people a chance to be saved. Police, volunteers and rescuers are trying to evacuate even those who do not want to leave their bombed-out homes under constant fire. Evacuation becomes the last hope when everything else is destroyed. But this process rarely goes smoothly: fear of the unknown, danger on the road and the constant threat of shelling make each evacuation a real challenge for all involved.
From the chaos of the first days to the trials of the third year of the war
The start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 came as a real shock to millions of Ukrainians. People who thought that the war would bypass them suddenly found themselves under fire, in danger for their lives and their families. Evacuation became a forced decision for those who found themselves in the path of hostilities, but the first days of the war were full of chaos and confusion. The evacuation process has gradually improved, but the risks and difficulties remain. The third year of the war brings new challenges – both for those who evacuate and for those who stay in the frontline areas to the last.
Since the first hours of the invasion, the situation in the country has changed dramatically. Peaceful towns turned into battlefields, and thousands of people were forced to evacuate literally from under fire. However, this process was not organised. Information was contradictory, and official sources could not always quickly orientate people, as the fighting covered a huge area of Ukraine.
At that time, thousands of Ukrainians were looking for ways to escape on their own. All of this was happening against a backdrop of panic, lack of transport and railway stations packed to capacity. People were rushing west, hoping to find a safe place, but the roads were overcrowded. Volunteers and law enforcement officers, despite the constant threat, began to organise the first evacuation corridors, helping people find a safe way out of the shelled cities.
Now, in the third year of the war, Ukraine has a much better established evacuation system, but the process is still extremely dangerous. Over the years, Ukrainian volunteers, law enforcement and international organisations have developed clear evacuation plans for regions that are regularly shelled, such as Kharkiv, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
Nevertheless, evacuations remain a challenge. Shelling of infrastructure, including roads, continually hampers the movement of evacuation convoys. People are still forced to leave their homes to the sound of sirens and explosions. In many cases, the evacuation takes place under fire, endangering the lives of both the evacuees and those helping them.
‘According to regional military administrations, more than 2.8 million civilians have been evacuated from dangerous areas across Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war,’ said Andriy Danik, head of the State Emergency Service.
Among them are more than 670,000 children and more than 102,000 people with disabilities.
According to the Proliska humanitarian mission, the number of people leaving the settlements close to the war zone is growing. The population of Donetsk, Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts, who suffer from daily shelling and occupied territories, are forced to leave their homes to save their lives, taking their children, relatives and pets with them to start over, away from the war. In early 2024 alone, the mission evacuated a total of 1,058 people:
- 722 people left Kurakhov, Toretsk and Pokrovsk;
- 92 people from the settlements of the Kharkiv region;
- 210 people used the evacuation bus Krasnopillya – Sumy – Poltava – Dnipro;
- medical evacuation – 86 people.
According to the Kharkiv Humanitarian Coordination Centre, 47,162 people have been evacuated by the CCHC over the entire period of the full-scale invasion. In September alone, 1,873 people were evacuated in Kharkiv region. Of these:
- women – 1134;
- children – 147;
- men – 739;
- people with limited mobility – 125;
- elderly people – 737.
According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, as of 25 October 2024, evacuation measures were intensified in Kupiansk and Borivsk districts due to the escalation of hostilities in these areas. As a result of these measures, 116 people were evacuated, including 6 children.
“They don’t want to leave their homes, we are trying to persuade them, but it is getting harder and harder to do. We have successfully evacuated children as part of the forced evacuation, but now we are talking about evacuating all people. This, in particular, will make it easier for our military: they are now helping where we – volunteers, charity workers – cannot go. And they need to do other things, not to be distracted from the things they are doing with honour ,’ comments Yevgeny Kolyada, head of the Crisis Group.
Fear of losing everything and ignorance
Evacuation from the frontline areas, occupied territories or areas that are constantly under fire seems at first glance to be a logical solution to save lives. But in reality, this process becomes an extremely difficult and painful experience for many people. Despite the threat of war, the decision to leave their home, even temporarily, is an extremely difficult step for many people. Fleeing war is not only emotionally taxing, but also brings with it numerous challenges faced by both the evacuees and those who help them escape.
One of the biggest challenges for people on the evacuation route is the psychological barrier. For many people, home is not just walls and a roof, it is a part of their lives, memories, and personal connections. People, especially the elderly, do not want to leave their homes, even under the threat of shelling and destruction. They believe that the war will bypass their home and that the situation will improve. However, every day in the war zone is a risk to life. Families are often torn apart because of different views on evacuation. The younger generations want to flee to save their children, while the older ones are not ready to leave the place where they have lived all their lives. This creates additional stress and conflict in families, and delays the evacuation process.
In the areas of hostilities or occupation, access to accurate information is limited or non-existent. People do not always know how the evacuation process works, where the safe places are, or which routes are the safest. This is disorienting, panic-inducing, and often leads people to make bad decisions. Misinformation spread through social media or rumours adds to the problem. Sometimes people believe that evacuation is a trap or that they will not be able to return home, so they prefer to stay even when the situation becomes critical.
One of the biggest threats during an evacuation is the road itself. The roads used by evacuation convoys are often shelled or mined. Even when ‘green corridors’ are officially opened to ensure safe exit for civilians, they do not always guarantee complete security. There have been cases where shelling has started right when the convoy is moving, and evacuees have come under fire. Roads are sometimes damaged or blocked. Due to the destruction of bridges, mined areas and constant fighting, evacuation convoys are often forced to change routes, which delays the process and creates additional risks for people.
Many people face problems due to the poor organisation of the evacuation process. At times, transport is provided in limited quantities, which means that not everyone can leave the danger zone at once. People are forced to wait, sometimes for a long time, under the threat of shelling, until new transport arrives.
There are also problems with transporting people with disabilities, the sick or elderly who have difficulty moving. For them, evacuation becomes particularly difficult, as they require additional transport and medical care, which is often in short supply.
Problems with housing and resources after evacuation
After evacuation, people face a new challenge: where to live? Temporary shelters provided to evacuees are often overcrowded or not suitable for long-term stays. Conditions can be spartan, with limited access to food, water and medical care.
In addition, many lose their jobs, making it difficult to find a livelihood in a new place.
People who are forced to evacuate often have no idea how long their displacement will last or whether they will ever be able to return home. This creates a sense of uncertainty and helplessness, which has a negative impact on people’s psychological state.
Evacuation is not only a physical escape from war, but also a huge psychological challenge. People who have experienced the loss of their homes, constant shelling and fear for their lives face post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression. It is difficult for them to adapt to new conditions, find a new place to live, work, and integrate into host communities. Evacuees often face misunderstanding or feelings of isolation. It is difficult for them to accept that they are forced to leave their past life behind and start from scratch in a new place.
Fear of the unknown and the loss of their homes are the main reasons why many people stay in frontline areas even when the danger is imminent. It is difficult for them to accept that everything they have can be destroyed in an instant. For them, evacuation is a step into the unknown, which seems no less frightening than the war itself.
The third year of the war has shown that evacuation remains an extremely difficult and dangerous process. People continue to stay on the frontline out of fear of losing their lives in the usual sense, not realising that it could cost them their own lives in the physical sense. At the same time, those who help to save others do not stop at any obstacles, doing their best to ensure that everyone has a chance to be saved.
Risk for the sake of life
When heavy machinery rumbles and shells explode in the frontline areas, the people who stay behind are trapped in a death trap. That’s when those who are not afraid to risk their lives – volunteers, rescuers and law enforcement officers – come to the rescue. Their work often goes unseen, but it is vital. They fight their way through shelling, off-road conditions and minefields to get even those who were reluctant to evacuate until the last minute out of danger.
‘We cannot just leave these people behind. Many of them have seen death so close for the first time, and they simply cannot bring themselves to leave their homes. We try to talk to them, convince them, show them that it is dangerous to stay, but sometimes they agree to leave only after their neighbour dies from a piece of rubble,’ says Alexander, a volunteer with the Proliska Humanitarian Mission who has been evacuating people from the hottest spots for several years.
Sometimes evacuation convoys are targeted by shelling. Volunteers and police risk their lives to take out those who dared to leave their homes at the last minute.
Sad statistics show that 93 SES rescuers have been killed during the full-scale invasion while saving the lives of others.
Those who evacuate people from under fire are constantly exposed to danger. Law enforcement officers, volunteers and rescuers risk their lives every day by travelling to hotspots where explosions are constantly heard. They organise evacuation corridors, deliver humanitarian aid, and help evacuate those who are unable to leave on their own – children, the elderly, and the sick. Sometimes shelling occurs during the evacuation, and drivers and passengers come under fire. Such situations require quick decisions, courage and coordination to minimise civilian casualties. Each trip may be the last, but these people continue to save those who cannot or do not want to go themselves. Evacuations save thousands of lives, even when people are not ready for them at first. Volunteers, law enforcement and rescuers continue their tireless work, helping people take this important step into the unknown, which, surprisingly, can be the beginning of a new life. As long as the war continues, evacuation convoys will be running between life and death, bringing hope to those who remain in the shadows of the frontline.
Evacuation process in foreign countries: challenges and rescue strategies
Evacuation of the population during war, natural disasters or other emergencies is a complex but critical process in many countries around the world. Different countries have their own approaches to evacuation, taking into account geographical, social and political peculiarities, but they all have one goal – to save lives. The experience of foreign countries shows that effective evacuation requires not only the prompt work of the authorities, but also the coordinated cooperation of citizens, volunteers and international organisations.
After the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, many European countries faced the need to receive and evacuate large numbers of refugees. EU countries, such as Poland, Romania, Hungary, Germany and others, quickly developed support systems that allowed them to effectively receive and accommodate millions of people.
States immediately created so-called ‘green corridors’ – specially designated routes along which civilians can move safely. This minimises the risk of people moving out of danger zones. International organisations such as the UN, the Red Cross, UNICEF and others are actively supporting the evacuation process by providing not only humanitarian aid, but also vehicles, medical support and psychological assistance to those who are evacuating.
Countries hosting evacuees set up camps or temporary housing complexes where people can receive first aid, food and support until they find more permanent accommodation.
Many European countries have created simplified procedures for obtaining refugee status or temporary protection. This allows people to quickly integrate into a new environment and gain access to healthcare, education, and employment.
The United States has many years of experience in conducting evacuations in connection with natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and forest fires. The US emergency response system is one of the most developed in the world and is based on the work of organisations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Red Cross, the National Guard and local services.
For example, during major disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 or Hurricane Maria in 2017, the United States developed and actively used a multi-level evacuation system. Citizens are notified in advance via television, radio and mobile phones about the need to evacuate and how to get out of the danger zone. This helps to minimise chaos and panic.
The authorities create clear evacuation plans, taking into account the transport infrastructure. Special evacuation routes are established that minimise congestion and allow people to quickly get out of the danger zone.
Particular attention is paid to the evacuation of people with disabilities, the elderly, children and the sick. For this purpose, special vehicles are used that can provide medical assistance on the spot or while driving. Evacuees receive assistance from volunteers and local communities. Shelters and hospitals are prepared in advance to provide first aid, food, water and basic medical supplies.
Japan, a country that often suffers from earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, also has one of the most advanced evacuation mechanisms. One of the key aspects of the Japanese system is the massive preparation of the population for such emergencies. Citizens participate in annual drills to learn how to act in the event of an evacuation. This allows people to avoid panic and quickly follow the instructions of the authorities.
In each district, there are specially equipped shelters and centres where people can move to during disasters. The shelters store supplies of water, food and medicine to meet basic needs for several days.
Japan makes extensive use of technology to provide timely warnings to the public. The J-Alert system allows for the rapid transmission of emergency information via mobile phones, television and loudspeakers on the streets.
Evacuations in times of war or natural disasters often become an international challenge. Countries involved in such processes actively cooperate through international organisations to coordinate efforts. For example, the UN plays an important role in coordinating humanitarian corridors during conflicts, providing assistance to both evacuees and host countries.
Evacuation is a complex multi-stage process that requires coordination between the authorities, international organisations and citizens. The experience of foreign countries shows that successful evacuation depends not only on technical organisation but also on people’s preparation for emergencies, readiness to help each other and quick response to challenges.
How the evacuation process works in Ukraine and what awaits the evacuees next
Many people are experiencing a huge fear of the unknown. Where will they go? What will happen next? Where will they live? Who will help them start a new life? These questions torment them and often become the reason why they stay even when the city is already destroyed and their homes are in ruins.
Evacuation is not just about moving out of a danger zone. It is a complex psychological process that requires people to make a difficult decision. Many feel abandoned and defenceless. It is difficult for them to leave everything they have, even if it is already in pieces.
But those who decide to leave gradually realise that life must go on. They find new homes, meet new people, and although the road to recovery is not easy, it is the road to life.
There are 46 charitable and public organisations in Kharkiv region that are involved in the evacuation on a regular basis. During the evacuation, transit points provide emergency assistance to people arriving from the de-occupied or frontline areas. Such organisations provide support to people, ranging from applying for financial assistance to hot meals, food, medicine and clothing.
Humanitarian hubs in evacuated communities have also started to open: Vovchansk Hub and Lipetsk Hub. Kupyansk and Tsirkunovsk hubs are next in line to open. These are specially created centres in Kharkiv, where evacuees can address any issue, communicate with the administration and receive help. Employment centres, a department for veterans, a children’s centre and charity organisations work there.
“When applying to the Employment Centre, people from certain communities will also be offered jobs in the hubs. For example, we employed a woman from one of the communities who has a minor child. The Employment Centre referred her to the Coordination Centre, and now she is working at the distribution of aid, helping her fellow countrymen. Internally displaced persons can also take part in community service at the hubs ,’ explains Serhiy Zhuk, director of the Dzherelo Vidrodzhennia Charitable Foundation.
The Humanitarian Coordination Centre in Kharkiv region has recently announced the creation of a unified database verification system for people leaving the war zone, which will greatly facilitate the process of providing assistance to evacuees, as well as help avoid duplication of assistance and ensure equality in its provision.
Evacuation in wartime is a constant struggle against danger, fear and uncertainty. From the chaotic early days of the invasion to the organised but still dangerous evacuations of today, it is a life-saving process that requires great courage from both those who leave their homes and those who assist them in this difficult task.
Evacuation is more than just an escape from war. It is a decision that is extremely difficult to make, because it means leaving behind everything that seemed eternal and unchanging: your home, familiar streets, your whole life. The people who finally agree to evacuate are facing the unknown, full of fear and anxiety. Each departure is a real heroism not only for those who evacuate, but also for volunteers and law enforcement officers who save lives under fire.
After escaping, they will face a difficult journey. A new city, new people, and the constant thought of whether they will ever return home. But despite everything, evacuation gives a chance – a chance for survival, a new life, a chance to see the future. And it is at this moment that people begin to realise that leaving home was not a loss, but a necessary step towards preserving the most precious thing – their lives.
