Civilian Evacuations
Operation SafeDrop’s commitment to evacuating civilians from front-line areas has been a beacon of hope during the darkest times. Our efforts have spanned multiple regions, resulting in the safe evacuation of over 3000 individuals. SafeDrop began our evacuation program with an initial focus on Chernihiv, where we operated during the early days of the full-scale invasion. Our team persisted through the summer as we extended our support to Zaporizhzhia, and later to Kherson following its liberation late last year.
One poignant story that encapsulates our mission is that of Natalya, a 15-year-old girl who faced unimaginable adversity. Stranded in occupied Kherson after losing both her parents to Russian forces, Natalya embarked on a harrowing journey with her 18-month-old brother. Crossing occupied territory, she navigated dangerous circumstances, ultimately reaching Zaporizhzhia, where our team was able to collect her. The journey did not end there; we facilitated Natalya’s reunion with her uncle and aunt in Vinnitsya Oblast. Witnessing her transformation from a remarkably brave young girl to an innocent child again upon reaching safety epitomizes the profound impact of our work.
Natalya’s story is just one among countless others that serve as the driving force behind our commitment. Each individual we’ve helped evacuate represents a triumph over adversity, a testament to the importance of our mission. These stories reinforce our determination to continue working diligently, ensuring that those trapped in conflict zones find a lifeline to safety. As we move forward, our commitment remains unwavering, driven by these personal narratives that highlight the true significance of our efforts.
As there has been little movement in the front lines recently, evacuations have been quieter since the liberation of Kherson. However, when the front-line moves, our team will be on-hand, in our new fleet of vehicles, to evacuate civilians to safety.