A 28-year-old Ukrainian medic named Helena Popova embarked on a journey from Lutsk to Kherson to aid flood victims caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. She felt compelled to help her loved ones in Oleshky, her hometown, who were in urgent need of food, evacuation, and medical attention. The problem was the Dnipro River served as a barrier, with Oleshky falling on the Russian-controlled side. Russian forces hindered Ukrainian boats attempting to bring aid across the river by opening fire. Popova, soaked and disheartened after a day of work, stood in the rain, unable to reach her family.
The fact that Ukrainians cannot provide help to their friends and family in the Russian-held flood zone is tragic, but not unexpected. What is less understandable is the absence of international aid organizations such as the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his disappointment at their absence, stating, “They aren’t here; we have not had a response.” Crossing the Dnipro River is perilous, which is why these organizations are hesitant to proceed without safety guarantees from Russia. However, such assurances have not been forthcoming.
This timidity on the part of international aid organizations frustrates Ukrainian volunteers who have been tirelessly delivering food, rescuing people, and saving animals. Local efforts continue despite the danger, though at a high cost in lives. A Ukrainian rescue boat was fired upon by Russia, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Volunteers in the Ukrainian-controlled part of the Kherson region have been supplying water, food, and evacuation services to thousands of victims, but the death toll still rises. Time is running out, and the slow progress of the UN and ICRC is disconcerting to those on the ground.
The situation on the Russian-controlled side of the river is likely even worse. Popova holds a haunting recording of her last conversation with her parents and younger sister, who were trapped in chest-deep water. Her sister, Vika, screamed in desperation, pleading not to drown. While some fortunate individuals managed to escape the flood zone, they now face long queues for limited humanitarian aid. The ICRC and UN vehicles stationed in Kyiv have drawn criticism for their seemingly ineffective presence, adding to the bitter sentiment towards international aid organizations.
The Ukrainian public has long distrusted the UN and ICRC due to perceived neutrality that prioritizes dialogue with Russia over the protection of Ukrainians. Previous visits by UN Secretary General António Guterres and ICRC President Peter Maurer to Moscow have only heightened this skepticism. Ukrainian Red Cross Society members often find themselves confused with the ICRC, leading to misplaced outrage. While the Ukrainian Red Cross Society has been active in relief efforts, the ICRC faces limitations in accessing certain areas due to the ongoing conflict.
As Oleshky remains submerged and with no news from her family, Popova questions the purpose of international aid groups that seem impeded by the conditions of war. Meanwhile, she continues to board rubber boats, provided by foreign NGOs, to assist flood victims and tend to their injuries. Ultimately, the reliance for help lies within the local community, as they can only count on each other during these trying times.
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