Two years have passed since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. What was initially declared as a short military operation of a few weeks soon turned into a stalemate, a “war of attrition”, which generated terrible consequences for the civilian population and those who lived on the frontline. Every peace proposal put forward has failed, and the drama of the conflict has, day after day, destroyed the hope of Ukrainians.
It is impossible to know precisely how many people have lost their lives in the conflict. Still, numerous sources estimate that, to date, about 500,000 people (military and civilian, Ukrainian and Russian) have lost their lives or been injured as a result of the conflict.
The war is also generating serious human rights violations, humanitarian needs and much suffering. Millions of people have been forced to flee their cities and homes, and about 6 million have sought refuge abroad. The destruction of infrastructure and hospitals continues to cause a complex situation for those who need access to vital medical care and for those who have been injured as a result of the conflict. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in 2024, 14.6 million people, about 40% of Ukraine’s population, will need humanitarian assistance.
Marking the Anniversary: MOAS’ book “Sirens of Hope” presented in London
To mark the second anniversary of our mission in Ukraine, “Sirens of Hope”, the new MOAS book was presented last week in London at the Frontline Club. During the event, our brave critical care nurse, Yuriy Soroka, arrived directly from Ukraine to raise awareness about the harsh situation that combat medical teams face every day while they make every effort to save lives. He spoke passionately about the day-to-day brutality and horrors of the invasion, the traumatic conditions on the medical frontline and the horrifying conduct of enemy forces. The book’s launch also saw the reading of some abstracts, a panel discussion, and the showcase of some videos from the frontline work. Yuriy’s trip to the UK is part of the Ukraine Solidarity Project, which aims to shed light on the work conditions of combat medics on the front and the challenges they face. Besides the presentation, Yuryi had the opportunity to meet with the media and representatives of the Ukraine Embassy to the UK and discuss with a member of London Ambulance.
MOAS is saving lives on the front lines
Since February 2022, at the early stages of the conflict, MOAS has been present in Ukraine, initially providing support for the medical evacuation of children suffering from chronic diseases from high-risk areas to places of safety both inside and outside Ukrainian territory to ensure the necessary medical care. In the following weeks, MOAS expanded its mission by creating a logistical medical facility capable of treating the wounded on the front lines and communities cut off from the fighting through the assistance and services of the UMM (Mobile Medical Unit).
Today, MOAS’ fleet in Ukraine is made up of 50 ambulances equipped with medical and pharmaceutical supplies as well as state-of-the-art equipment, enabling our teams to deliver both basic and advanced life support and essential treatments, along with additional extensive medical procedures as required.
Moreover, through the mobile clinic, seconded to MOAS by the RMHC House Charities Latvia for the duration of the mission in the country, in partnership with MHP Gromadi and the Oksana Dmytriieva Charitable Foundation, we provide health services to local communities that no longer have access to health facilities.
Thanks to our specialist team of 150 doctors, paramedics and drivers, who bravely face the complex reality of a country in conflict on a daily basis, MOAS has treated around 40,000 people on the front lines and over 25,000 patients in local communities.
Final Thoughts
Until this terrible situation ends, MOAS will continue to do everything we can to save lives and give hope to children, women and men. All this would not be possible without the invaluable support of all of you, donors, supporters and partners, who have generously decided to help the Ukrainian people.
We also join all those who, over the past two years, have repeatedly called to reach a peace agreement that can put an end to the ongoing conflict and give the Ukrainians the opportunity to live in a condition of dignity and protection of fundamental human rights.
Give what you can now: https://www.moas.eu/donate-moas-ukraine-2/
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