The Human Cost of War: A Ukrainian Volunteer's Story

Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, volunteers play a crucial role in providing aid and support to those affected. Oleksii Iakov, a Sloviansk resident and leader of the "Placdarm" search group, recently shared his experiences in a powerful interview. He described the emotional toll of searching for missing persons and the constant struggle to secure funding for essential equipment. "The main thing is to remain human," Iakov stated, emphasizing the importance of compassion in his work. He also expressed frustration with the assumption that volunteers are in it for the money. "People think we do this for the money," he lamented, "but we're just trying to help these guys and their families." Iakov's account offers a poignant insight into the dedication and sacrifices of volunteers in Ukraine's war-torn regions.