Embed

VolunTears

Volunteers deliver humanitarian aid to Donbass

Those who live in the recently liberated areas depend on humanitarian aid from Russia. Food, water and candles are priceless in Donbass and Mariupol. Retreating Ukrainian forces used scorched earth tactics, killing civilians and destroying houses and infrastructure. They created a humanitarian crisis for thousands of people, referring to the locals as “non-human”. That’s allegedly what citizens of Volnovakha heard from Ukrainian troops, together with promises to burn their city during the retreat.

Some Russian businessmen volunteered to help the residents. Every ten days, they travel to Mariupol, transporting humanitarian aid. Donations for civilians and militia are gathered from all over Russia. Volunteers decided to deliver it personally to minimise bureaucracy on the way. They also evacuate people to their relatives in Russia. Volunteers go to hot spots close to the combat zone to get them.

Convoy always travels with a military escort — Ukrainian nationalist forces continue to use artillery on Donbass, which means Mariupol streets are not safe. So volunteers risk their lives but say it is worth it. ‘... It’s like a constant urge to help people, almost like a disease,’ says volunteer Yury. He travelled 1,500 Km (932 miles) on his trips to Donbass and plans to double it.

Follow stories the mainstream media ignores: Follow RTD's Twitter

WATCH TRAILER
Please rate this film

9.88(26 users)

Published: 20 May 2022 12:00

Duration

27:04

Tags
Watch this film in Russian

don't miss

26:33
Emergencies and Disasters 30 June 2023 12:00

Young Hope of Donbass. Youth volunteer to supply food in Donbass despite shelling

26:33
Military and War 03 June 2022 12:00

Foreign Fighters of Donbass. Foreign volunteers against Ukrainian neo-Nazism

26:33
Society 13 March 2023 12:00

Volunteers for Victory. Russian 'men-on-the-street' join fight against Ukrainian nationalists

26:33
Lifestyle 04 December 2023 12:00

Way of the War Reporter. Survival guide from veteran war correspondents

26:33
Society 17 February 2023 12:00

Heroes Among Us. A surgeon rescues kids injured by Ukrainian fire

26:33
Society 17 July 2023 12:00

Donbass Volunteers: United Strength. Volunteers across Russia start projects to support Donbass defenders

26:33
Society 22 August 2022 12:00

Lugansk’s Forgotten Children. Helping disabled children left behind in the conflict

26:33
Society 28 August 2023 12:00

Notes from Donbass. War reporter gathers soldiers' stories whilst delivering aid to Donbass

26:33
Society 27 April 2022 13:50

Donbass: I'm Alive! Mariupol survivors of Ukrainian attacks find shelter

26:33
Military and War 17 September 2023 12:00

Voices from the Grave. Mass graves in liberated villages of Donbass reveal Ukrainian war crimes

26:33
Society 20 January 2023 12:00

Water: Donetsk's Lifeline. Volunteers supply water to Donbass under shelling

26:33
Human Rights 20 January 2016 00:00

No Laughing Matter. When refugees find their smiles again...

26:33
Military and War 16 May 2022 13:00

Battle for Mariupol. Azov attack survivors hope for a new life

26:33
Society 02 June 2023 12:00

Donbass: Restoring Childhood. Orphans from Donbass hope for a better future in Russia

26:33
Emergencies and Disasters 09 August 2020 15:37

Beirut: After the Blast . Unique footage of the aftermath of the blast in Beirut and first-hand accounts of people who were injured

26:33
Military and War 22 April 2022 12:56

Donbass Under Fire. Life in the Donetsk Republic under bombs

26:33
Health 18 July 2022 12:00

Dr Donbass: Behind the frontline. Heroic routine of Donbass medical units

26:33
Arts and Culture 26 August 2022 12:00

Poets on the Frontline. Voices of the Donbass art scene

26:33
Military and War 17 April 2023 12:00

'Vostok' Battalion Brotherhood . For nine years soldiers defend their homeland: story from the frontlines

26:33
Military and War 05 May 2023 12:00

Heroes of Donbass. Battalion Commander. An ex-businessman’s rise from a private to a respected leader

VIEWER’S CHOICE: 1,000,000 VIEWS AND MORE

VIEW ALL