CF “East SOS” Presents the Report “Invisible People of Ukraine’s Frontline”
Evacuation from the frontline remains one of the key ways to save lives in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, millions have been forced to flee their homes—people of all social groups who are equally in need of help and protection.
However, the needs of people with limited mobility often remain invisible. To highlight this critical issue, the East SOS Documentation Department conducted 60 in-depth interviews with 66 respondents as part of the study “Invisible People of Ukraine’s Frontline.”
The research focuses on the experiences of low-mobility groups during the war, including older adults, people with disabilities, their relatives, and caregivers. We also interviewed volunteers, evacuees, managers, and social workers from East SOS and partner organizations actively assisting these vulnerable groups.
The main conclusion of the study is that without outside assistance, people with limited mobility on the frontline will die.
This is largely due to Russia’s ongoing violations of international humanitarian law, including:
- Deliberate attacks on civilian objects
- Disproportionate use of force
- Targeted destruction of civilian infrastructure, hospitals, food warehouses, and protected facilities
- Attacks on humanitarian hubs providing essential aid
Most respondents shared experiences of surviving without water, electricity, gas, or heating in winter; without access to medication, food, drinking water, medical care, or timely evacuation.
In addition, the East SOS team surveyed 20 people at the Center for Social Adaptation of People with Disabilities (NGO Ocean of Good, Dnipro, March 2024). 17 respondents said they would likely not have survived without evacuation. 1 person hesitated but also believed survival would have been unlikely. This evidence once again highlights the urgent need for a systematic and coordinated evacuation process from government agencies, charities, and other organizations, not just humanitarian aid, but also guaranteed timely evacuation.
The study reveals the humanitarian crisis and tells the stories of the most vulnerable people—those who are often overlooked. We thank everyone whose work made this report possible. The report exists thanks to the documenters who collected these testimonies and the Foundation’s staff who save lives every day.
Natalia Kaplun, Coordinator of the Documentation Department of the East SOS
As of April 2025, according to Foundation data, at least 76 people are still waiting in the so-called “life queue” for evacuation from the Donetsk region, hindered by the lack of available accommodation spaces.
East SOS once again emphasizes the urgent need to create comfortable living conditions and new accommodation centers for evacuees, particularly those with limited mobility.
The analytical report is part of the “Support to War-Affected Vulnerable Populations and Residents of Remote Areas of Ukraine” project, funded by the European Union. The contents reflect the sole responsibility of the CF “East SOS” and do not necessarily represent the views of the European Union
Download the report.
