Journey Through Ukraine: Exhaustion, Resilience, and the Reality of War
Long Days, Short Nights on the Road
Sleep was rare—our standard modus operandi on missions across Ukraine. Exhaustion became a constant companion, with far more hours behind the wheel than in bed.
Our day began before sunrise in Mizhhirya. Simon and Robin were already waiting in reception when two mayors arrived, prompting the hotel restaurant to open early. After breakfast and goodbyes, we made a short hospital detour for Neil’s injured thumb, then hit the road again. Tales of these misadventures are reserved for those who volunteer with us—so you will either need to endlessly ponder what and how this could have been, or join us on a future project!
16 Hours to Kyiv: Aid and Emergency Response
The next 16 hours blurred into fuel stops, oppressive heat, vehicles with no AC, and the winding Carpathian roads at the start of the epic journey that brought motion sickness to some of the team. Near Kyiv, the monotony was broken suddenly by a severe traffic collision on the main dual carriageway (two-lane highway) going into the city.
A female victim had been ejected from her vehicle. Our team immediately worked to stabilise her injuries, reassure her family, and manage fire risks until Ukrainian emergency services arrived on scene. Training and professionalism took over—an unplanned deployment before we had even officially handed over the fire appliance—the UK firefighting deal showing a gold tier of service.
Kyiv Under Siege
Kyiv at night was unrecognisable. Tanks, anti-aircraft defences, and gunners lined the streets. The lively city of 2023, summer nights with cocktails in the street cafes, music and resilience, was now under constant bombardment, tracer fire, and a heavy sense of fear.
At our hotel, we picked up local supplies—charcuterie, crisps, and cold beers—but any comforts quickly vanished with the sound of heavy shelling in the distance. Our colleague Natalka, meant to join us, was in Kyiv with family overnight, making the night deeply personal and painful. July 9th is a date etched in our social memory as the heaviest bombing of the war to date, and this was June 10th—truly a horrifying experience, and it’s impossible to think this is an almost nightly occurrence in the nation’s capital.
That night, from 10 p.m. until dawn, we witnessed explosions, smoke, and the haunting whirr of drones. At sunrise, silence was shattered as a ballistic missile, intercepted near our hotel—likely by a Patriot system—left first responders racing past us. Their nods of recognition were a sobering reminder of the courage of these teams and the brutal reality.
Deliveries to Poltava and Zmiiv
With little rest, we pushed on to Poltava for a rare night without sirens. In Poltava, we paused, enjoyed a relaxed evening, shared stories, asked questions, and savoured great food recommended by the hotel. For the first time in days, we had a proper night’s sleep without a single air raid siren.
The next day, GPS issues slowed our journey to Zmiiv, but the mission—and thoughts of Ukrainian hospitality—carried us forward: coffee, ‘local water,’ enthusiastic and heartfelt toasts, together with warm camaraderie.
This handover was special: a delivery for a new community fire station staffed by retired and former firefighters. The teams deeply valued the quality and volume of the donated equipment. As usual, our handover and training with the team was a highlight for all, and their shared passion for their careers shone through. The family of the global firefighting community was proudly on show for the world to see. We share our gratitude to WDRAC – Tokyo, Angloco, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, and Operation Florian for their unwavering support.
Kharkiv: Friendship and Danger
Kharkiv showed both devastation from Russian strikes and joy in reuniting with friends we’ve supported since the beginning of the war, as well as meeting up with fellow volunteers Jason and Amy from Never Alone – Humanitarian Kitchen. Happiness in such dark times is precious.
However, danger remained close. Just 16 minutes after leaving the city, strikes hit the very area we had visited. With GPS blocked and curfews looming, navigation turned into an endurance test.
Lviv: Exhaustion and Camaraderie
After nearly 40 hours without proper rest, with drivers and sleepers rotating constantly, coffees were plentiful, and Red Bulls probably powered the car more than any of us. We finally reached Lviv to enjoy a shower, and a night in the city brought rare relief—along with a few well-earned beers. Matching tattoos for the team sealed the bond of this mission and its memories indelibly.
Returning to Poland: Reflection and Optimism
Crossing back into Poland after the usual long border delays, we regrouped at 84. Even in exhaustion, the team recorded a raw, emotional yet lighthearted, unedited podcast capturing the mission in its purest form. Check back, or keep an eye on our socials for this dropping in the coming weeks.
This chapter was drawing to a close, but ever the optimist, Chris was already envisioning a second-hand aerial rig for future missions and a new fundraising target of $25,000. This is the ongoing story of ABW Volunteer Responders.
Thank you to the team—Chris, Mark, Neil, Ryan, Robin, Sophia, Kerry, and Paracrew’s Linda and Berit—for your time, effort, and commitment to Ukraine.
See a round-up video of dropping off the fire trucks.
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