As the New Year begins, civilians under attack in Ukraine: NP remembers Pavlo ‘Pasha’ Matyivets 

KHERSON, Ukraine – On 1 January 2025, Ukrainian humanitarian worker Pavlo ‘Pasha’ Matyivets was killed by a Russian artillery strike in Kherson. Pavlo was just 23 years old, serving his community as a volunteer with Sylni Bo Vilny (Strong Because Free), a local Kherson humanitarian organisation supported by and partnering with Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) in Ukraine. Strong Because Free released the following statement mourning Pavlo's death: 

"Our public organization Strong Because Free lost a colleague on January 01, 2025. He was a friend and volunteer. His name was Pavel. He has always been and will be an example of self-confidence and sincere help to others. Pavlo did a lot of good deeds in his 23 years. He made a very huge contribution to our good cause and helped those people who needed it. His bright soul and kindness will forever remain in our hearts." 

Pavlo worked with Strong Because Free providing support to households impacted by shelling, creating child-friendly spaces in Kherson city, and supporting the responsible evacuation of civilians from frontline communities. Together with NP, Strong Because Free works assisting conflict-affected communities in Kherson Oblast. 

Pavlo’s death is a devastating reminder of the risks that are shouldered by Ukrainian humanitarian responders to reach members of their community with humanitarian aid, protection information, and other life-saving services. “The risks that humanitarians and civilians face are exhausting and dangerous,” shared Kate Symonova, working in Kherson with NP as a Protection Officer. “People like Pavlo risk their lives to provide support to other civilians. As targeted attacks by Russia on humanitarian workers, volunteers and civilians escalate, international leaders have a responsibility to speak in the strongest terms against these violations of International Humanitarian Law.” 

NP is gravely concerned at the increasing number of attacks against humanitarian workers in Kherson and across Ukraine. Pavlo’s death follows numerous attacks on humanitarian responders since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including recent drone attacks on other NP partner organisations.  

Pasha was a dedicated responder and friend to the volunteer community, Strong Because Free, and of NP. We grieve the loss of his life and extend our deepest condolences to Pavlo’s family and friends. We recognise the selfless efforts of responders like Pavlo who work on the frontlines in these difficult and high-risk circumstances and will continue to support them in their efforts.  

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is an international protection agency. Our mission is to protect civilians in violent conflicts through unarmed strategies, build peace side-by-side with local communities, and advocate for the wider adoption of these approaches to safeguard human lives and dignity. NP's duty of care programming aim to reduce the physical risks volunteers are exposed to as well as support the psychological resilience of volunteer networks and the communities they serve. 

Strong Because Free is an organisation that provides evacuation assistance, social taxi services, liquidation assistance, and Child Safe Spaces to conflict-affected civilians in Kherson. NP and Strong Because Free stand united in their mission to protect civilians amid the conflict in Kherson. NP supports Strong Because Free volunteers with:  

• PPE Lending Program: Supports the provision of pf personal protective equipment to volunteers and frontline workers 

• Protection Sub-Grants: Strong Because Free Supports a child safe space in Kherson where children can have access to education, psychological supports, and a safe place where kids can be kids. 

• Volunteer Insurance (VIP): the VIP programme, in which Pasha was enrolled, ensures coverage for volunteers in the event of an injury or death.  

• Volunteer Resilience Program (VRP): NP's VRP offers free and confidential counseling for volunteers.   

• Critical materials: Addressing vital needs, NP provides resources such as fuel, stipends, and sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for enhanced safety.  
   

Strong Because Free is also a sub-grantee of the consortium supported by FCDO and led by NP, which is supporting volunteer organisations delivering humanitarian assistance in dangerous front-line locations.