Ukraine: How the 'White Angels' rescue civilians from frontline villages | DW News

Key Concepts

• FPV Drones (First-Person View Drones): Remotely piloted drones, often used by Russian forces, that pose a significant threat to civilians and evacuation efforts due to their maneuverability and targeting capabilities.
• White Angels Police Unit: A special Ukrainian police unit dedicated to evacuating civilians from frontline towns in the Donetsk region.
• Frontline Towns: Settlements located in close proximity to active combat zones, experiencing direct threats from shelling and drone attacks.
• Evacuation: The process of safely moving civilians away from dangerous areas.
• Jammer: A device used to disrupt or block electronic signals, potentially including drone communications.
• Drone Detector: Equipment used to identify the presence of drones.
• Transit Centers: Facilities where evacuees are registered, provided with initial assistance, and helped to find longer-term shelter.

Civilian Evacuation Amidst Ongoing Conflict in Donetsk

This report details the perilous reality faced by civilians in frontline towns of the Donetsk region, Ukraine, as Russia's attacks continue despite ongoing peace negotiations. The focus is on the critical issue of civilian evacuation, particularly from areas that may be subject to surrender demands in future peace talks, such as parts of the eastern Donetsk region still under Ukrainian control.

The "White Angels" and Frontline Dangers

Marielle Müller, a correspondent, joined the "White Angels" Police Unit, a special Ukrainian unit operating in Katosk, tasked with evacuating civilians from towns situated approximately 20 kilometers from Russian positions. The primary and most significant threat identified by Anton, the unit's commander, is the surge in FPV drones. These drones, operated by Russian soldiers, have become the biggest danger, capable of precise targeting of vehicles and individuals.

Case Study: The Damaged Van Incident An example of this threat was an incident in October where an FPV drone attacked the White Angels' van. The drone was shot down just as it was about to hit the vehicle, but the van was damaged. The Russians subsequently posted footage of the drone operator's view online, highlighting the direct targeting of the evacuation unit.

Evacuation Mission in Krematurk

The report follows an evacuation mission to Krematurk, an area approximately 11 kilometers from Russian positions. Due to the extreme risk, the correspondent was unable to join the unit directly but provided a GoPro camera for recording. The mission's success hinges on speed. Anton's colleague actively monitors a drone detector, and a jammer is deployed to disrupt potential drone signals.

Step-by-Step Evacuation Process:

1. Receiving the Call: The unit receives a request for evacuation.
2. Assessing Risk: The proximity to Russian positions and the current threat level are evaluated.
3. Deployment: The unit, equipped with protective gear and detection equipment, heads to the location.
4. Gathering Civilians: Civilians, including a family with a 16-year-old boy and their grandmother, are met. Protective vests are distributed.
5. Urgency: The need for haste is emphasized due to ongoing shelling ("They're already shooting here").
6. Unexpected Additions: A neighbor requests to join the evacuation, and assistance is provided.
7. Departure: The family and the neighbor are moved to the evacuation vehicle.
8. Safe Arrival: After an hour, the group arrives safely in Kratorsk.

Testimonies from Evacuees: One evacuee described witnessing a soldier being hit by a drone and subsequent shooting within seconds. They lamented the loss of basic utilities like gas and water, and the inability to use electricity for heating due to power outages, leading to people freezing. Zorya and her family were transported to Nepro for shelter.

Evacuation to Dykivka: Increased Drone Activity

The report then follows another evacuation to Dykivka, located 16 kilometers from the front line. This route has seen an increasing number of FPV drone attacks in recent weeks. The correspondent joins the unit on this mission.

Key Points on Dykivka Evacuation:

• High Risk: Anton states that the unit undertakes up to five evacuations per week, with each mission carrying significant personal risk.
• Civilian Population: Approximately 17,000 people still reside in the area, facing near-daily attacks.
• Targeting of Civilians: FPV drones are used to target civilian homes and cars, even when it's clear they are carrying civilians.
• Protective Measures: Children are provided with protective gear. Nets are installed over roads to offer some defense against smaller drones.
• Emotional Toll: An evacuee expressed reluctance to leave, stating, "We are so used to living here." The final catalyst for her departure was her apartment being attacked, causing doors to fly off and injuring a neighbor.

Registration and Support in Lviv

After the evacuation, the report shifts to Lviv, a city further west from the front lines, where evacuees are registered and receive assistance. Katya and her team at a transit center manage the influx, receiving up to 600 people per day. They are prepared to increase capacity and open new centers if the Russian advance continues. Humanitarian organizations are also ready to scale up their support.

Conclusion: The Human Cost of Conflict

The report concludes by emphasizing the stark contrast between ongoing peace talks and the grim reality on the ground. With every kilometer Russia advances, more families are forced to abandon their homes and possessions, highlighting the devastating human cost of the conflict. The efforts of units like the "White Angels" are crucial in mitigating the immediate dangers faced by civilians caught in the crossfire.