Risk and Resilience in Antonivka

In conflict-affected areas, the security situation remains precarious, with civilians facing significant risks from airstrikes, shelling, and mines. This volatile environment hampers the ability of international organizations to provide aid (who typically have restrictive security protocols), leaving it up to local volunteers to step up in hazardous conditions. Unfortunately, these dedicated individuals often lack the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard themselves while delivering vital humanitarian services. 

A Day in the Life: The Antonivka Incident 

On June 26, 2024, a volunteer group in Antonivka, a suburb of Kherson city severely impacted by ongoing hostilities, faced a harrowing experience that underscored the dangers they confront daily. After completing a humanitarian distribution for the World Food Programme, the volunteers returned to their warehouse to unload the remaining food packages. Although they had worn their PPE during the distribution, some volunteers left their equipment in their vehicle, believing the short distance—just 10 meters—between the car and the warehouse posed minimal risk. 

Suddenly, their assumptions were shattered as shelling erupted nearby. With no time to waste, the volunteers sought shelter underground. Over the course of an hour, eleven shells rained down on the area, devastating two of the volunteers' vehicles, damaging three civilian cars, and destroying a truck. Two PPE kits provided by NP were left in the car and were also damaged in the onslaught. 

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the constant threats faced by those dedicated to humanitarian work in frontline communities. NP has equipped the local organization,  Sylni Bo Vilni (Strong Because Free) with essential PPE, which they then share with volunteers in Antonivka. This is how hyper-local the critical response is in Ukraine: the volunteer collective involved in the Antonivka incident is so grassroots that it isn’t registered, like so many other collectives.  

Sylni Bo Vilni currently has 20 PPE kits for their operations in Antonivka, a frequently shelled 'red zone' where significant numbers of civilians remain in dire need of support due to limited access to basic services. Local organizations and collectives are the ones handling the final stretch of humanitarian efforts, such as food distribution and urgent civilian evacuations. A responsible partnership with larger international organizations, which rely on these local groups to carry out this critical work, means that those facing the greatest risks are provided with the necessary protections to do their jobs as safely as possible.

NP’s Commitment to Safety 

The Antonivka incident highlights the critical need for adequate PPE in the field. The high intensity and often indiscriminate nature of hostilities not only put volunteers at risk but also create a dangerous environment for the civilians they strive to help. When first responders lack proper protection, the safety of the communities they serve is also compromised, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability. 

As conflicts persist, the normalization of risk becomes a concerning reality. It’s essential for civil society actors to establish robust security procedures and adhere to them diligently. This vigilance can help combat the risk fatigue that often accompanies prolonged exposure to danger. 

In response to these challenges, NP’s PPE lending program continues to be a lifeline for volunteers and first responders in Ukraine. Beyond providing PPE, NP also offers First Aid Training, Psychological First Aid Training, health insurance through the Volunteer Insurance Programme, and access to psychological support via the Volunteer Resilience Programme. These resources are vital for empowering the civil society actors who form the backbone of humanitarian efforts. 

By prioritizing the safety and well-being of those on the frontlines, we can ensure they remain equipped to continue their crucial work, safeguarding not only themselves but also the populations who depend on their support. 

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Since 2022, NP has been running its Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sharing program, Co-funded by FCDO and SDC, to ensure that volunteers and first responders in de-occupied and frontline areas can carry out their activities more safely. Two years on, this program remains crucial and impactful for local partners who continue to bear the primary responsibility for emergency response.