Evacuation from the Frontline: Why Timing Matters
Roman Buhaiov, Evacuation Coordinator at East SOS, spoke on the program “Nashi: Na Odniy Khvyli / Ours: On the Same Wave” on Hromadske Radio about the foundation’s work and the critical importance of timely evacuation for residents of frontline communities.
Every day, East SOS receives dozens of evacuation requests. In coordination with partner organizations, the White Angel police unit, and units of the State Emergency Service, the team organizes safe evacuations for civilians. However, reaching frontline settlements is becoming increasingly difficult. Roads leading to these areas are now often under the control of enemy FPV drones, significantly limiting access for humanitarian missions.
Why Timing Matters?
“The situation is deteriorating rapidly: enemy FPV drones are already controlling roads within a 20-kilometer radius of the front line, which significantly reduces the chances of safe evacuation. We cannot predict when, even within a matter of days, people will no longer be able to access food, remain in their homes, or when these areas will become completely unreachable.”
According to the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), between early 2024 and mid-2025, the russian military carried out 753 targeted attacks on civilian and humanitarian vehicles using FPV drones.
East SOS implements a full-cycle evacuation process.
“Our call center operators receive requests, collect essential information, and pass it on to the evacuation team. We then process each case individually — helping people leave dangerous areas and reach a transit center. At the transit center, specialists provide comprehensive support, including assistance with document restoration and applications for financial aid. For us, evacuation is only complete when a person has a safe and stable place to live.”
What to Bring for Evacuation:
- Documents: passport, tax ID, property ownership documents, medical records;
- Essential medications;
- Clothing: warm and mid-season items (we recommend bringing no more than 2–3 bags to ensure space for others during evacuation);
- Personal items: family photos or meaningful keepsakes.
Learn more about the full evacuation cycle implemented by East SOS, as well as essential items to take with you, by following the link.
We strongly urge you not to delay – leave the danger zone while it is still possible and protect your life.
You can register for free evacuation by calling the East SOS hotline (Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM): 0 800 332 614.
We also provide consultations via messaging apps:
Viber: +38 (099) 710 48 72
Telegram: +38 (096) 108 60 48
Recently, an Italian photojournalist joined an East SOS evacuation mission.
