Vlad Mahnovskyi, a 51-year-old pastor and volunteer from Zaporizhzhia, has been facilitating evacuations since 2014, helping residents escape from frontline communities despite the risks involved.
Mahnovskyi’s work intensified following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He recently evacuated a woman and her son-in-law from the village of Zarichne, where the surrounding area has been heavily damaged. “They were the last residents left in their cooperative, which has been completely destroyed,” he explained.
In his experience, the urgency for evacuation often arises when conditions become dire. He noted, “People tend to agree to evacuate only when their homes are destroyed and their neighbors have perished.” As the conflict escalates, the number of requests for assistance increases, although accessing these areas becomes increasingly perilous.
Mahnovskyi’s evacuations are not without danger. He recounted an incident on February 6, 2024, when he encountered a hostile FPV drone while entering Avdiivka. Despite wearing a blue vest marked with “EVACUATION,” the drone targeted him, resulting in injuries. He managed to escape and received medical assistance from a nearby group.
Reflecting on his earlier experiences, Mahnovskyi recalled his first evacuation efforts during the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. He initially helped evacuate people from Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, navigating through dangerous territories. During one operation, he was detained for six days by separatists, who accused him of espionage.
“The hardest part was the waiting,” he said of his time in captivity. “The fear of what might happen next was overwhelming.” He was eventually released but has since continued his volunteer work, driven by a commitment to help those in need.
As he collaborates with local churches and humanitarian organizations, Mahnovskyi emphasizes the importance of verifying the identities of those requesting evacuation to avoid potential threats. He continues to operate under the belief that saving lives is paramount, stating, “Evacuation preserves life, and life is the most valuable thing a person has.” His dedication to this cause is evident in his ongoing efforts to provide assistance to those affected by the conflict.
Despite the challenges, Mahnovskyi remains hopeful. He has developed a deep connection with the communities he serves and expresses a profound sense of responsibility towards them. “When you see elderly people leaving with just a bag of documents, it’s heartbreaking. They are losing everything to choose life,” he said.
Living in a village near Zaporizhzhia, Mahnovskyi has a strong attachment to the region, often reflecting on its beauty and the devastation wrought by war. His commitment to humanitarian work continues, driven by a sense of purpose and faith.
Vlad Mahnovskyi, a pastor and volunteer, has been evacuating residents from frontline areas in Ukraine since 2014. His ongoing efforts highlight the challenges faced by those seeking safety amid the conflict.
