Ukrainian medics face increased risks from Russian drones

Ukrainian medics on the frontline face extreme dangers as they work to save wounded soldiers from attacks, especially from Russian drones. Nathalie Vlasenko, a former tour guide and ballerina from Odesa, has been on the frontlines since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. She now serves as an interpreter and operations manager for Frontline Medics, a group dedicated to providing medical care in war zones. Every day is unpredictable for Nathalie and her team. They often witness terrible injuries and war crimes while trying to avoid becoming targets themselves. Drones have become a significant threat, launching grenades and explosives at soldiers and ambulances. Nathalie explained that just having a Red Cross on their vehicle does not guarantee their safety. Many ambulances have been destroyed by air attacks. Nathalie’s role involves retrieving the bodies of fallen soldiers for burial and providing medical aid to the injured. She notes the emotional toll of seeing soldiers reduced to numbers on black body bags. Despite the mental strain, soldiers express their determination to return to the frontlines and continue fighting for Ukraine. Medics sleep in makeshift bunkers, knowing they could be called to action at any moment. They have developed a routine of moving between stabilization points and hospitals to transport injured soldiers. Nathalie finds comfort in small things, like sharing moments with cats that have become a source of stress relief for the medics amid the chaos. As the war progresses, drone warfare has intensified. Ukraine has begun using affordable attack drones, which have proven effective against Russian forces. Both sides are now adapting to this new era of technology in warfare, rapidly developing more advanced systems. While political negotiations are ongoing, Nathalie remains focused on her work. She advises others to appreciate the simple things in life, like a warm shower or a quiet moment, something she longs for amid the turmoil of war.