Ukrainian Volunteers Evacuate Sumy Residents Amid Escalating Border Tensions

In a significant humanitarian effort, Ukrainian volunteers are conducting evacuations in the northern Sumy region, anticipating increased Russian attacks following Ukraine's military operation in Russia's Kursk region. The evacuation, which began on August 10, 2024, involves residents from 28 villages within a 10-kilometer zone along the border.

Volodymyr Artiukh, the Governor of Sumy Oblast, issued the evacuation order, potentially affecting up to 20,000 people according to national police statements. This region, bordering Russia's Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk Oblasts, has faced frequent cross-border attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Evacuees describe harrowing experiences of recent attacks. Svitlana Linova, pushing her bicycle with her cat Murchik, recounted intense shelling from across the border on August 9. "The lamp and ceiling started to fall," she said, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The evacuation process involves volunteers in protective gear assisting residents, many elderly and using canes, into mini-vans along with their pets. Serhiy Kozak, from the village of Basivka, shared his community's war-weariness: "Some houses have been hit twice, others three times. There was another hit around this in the morning and I jumped out."

Sumy Oblast, with its population of around one million, has a rich history and diverse economy. Founded in the 17th century as a Cossack fortress, the region is known for its agricultural production, particularly sugar beets and sunflowers. Despite its cultural heritage and educational institutions like Sumy State University, the area faces demographic challenges and has been actively implementing decentralization reforms since 2014.

The current situation underscores the ongoing tensions in the region. Vlad Polyansky, a volunteer from SOS East, expressed concerns about potential escalation: "With the operation going on in Kursk region, hardly anyone would think that Moscow is going to like this. We expect the shelling of border areas to get worse."

While Ukrainian officials remain largely silent about the incursion into Kursk, unofficial reports suggest ongoing advances. This operation marks a significant development in the conflict, which has now lasted over two and a half years.

As the evacuation continues, the resilience of Sumy's residents is evident. Despite the challenges, the region has been developing its renewable energy sector and maintaining its cultural institutions. The current crisis, however, highlights the urgent need for humanitarian support and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

"They dropped a load of ammunition at Basivka, diverted and left. The same with helicopters, they fly over the border and start shelling."

The situation in Sumy Oblast serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the critical role of volunteer organizations in providing aid and support to affected communities.