For frontline workers like Oleg Kemin of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), delivering aid in Ukraine means navigating a 1,000-kilometre contact line fraught with danger, particularly from attack drones. Kemin, a security officer, detailed the challenges of reaching vulnerable communities in a recent interview with UN News, describing a landscape where even cities like Kyiv are repeatedly targeted by shelling.
The Daily Reality of Aid Work in Ukraine
Kemin explained that the ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure result in frequent blackouts across the country, compounding the hardship for civilians. He noted the psychological toll of constant air raid alerts, stating, “Every night like this, with the shelling attacks, it’s quite difficult for us… people who are spending sleepless nights in the shelters cannot be as productive as usual.” His role involves tracking these alerts and ensuring the safety of WFP staff.
The situation is particularly dire in communities along the frontline, including Pokrovsk, Kupyansk, Konstantynivka, and Dobropillya. Kemin described witnessing a heartbreaking decline in these areas, observing how life gradually disappears as shops close and residents flee. He recounted a poignant encounter with an elderly woman who refused to leave her village, stating, “Here is the tomb of my husband, of my kids, I have nowhere else to go; the only thing I can do is to look after their tombs.”
Protecting Aid Convoys from Drone Threats
The increasing use of first-person view drones poses a significant threat to humanitarian efforts. To mitigate this risk, the WFP informs both sides of the conflict of their convoys’ GPS coordinates using established Humanitarian Notification Systems (HNS). Ukrainian forces have also constructed protective corridors of netting along roads, offering a degree of defense against the small, remotely controlled drones. However, Kemin cautioned that these nets are not foolproof, as drones are evolving to penetrate them, and strong winds can compromise their integrity.
Beyond immediate food aid, the WFP is also involved in demining efforts, recognizing that up to 30 per cent of Ukraine’s agricultural land is contaminated with unexploded ordnance. This work is crucial, as Ukraine’s grain production plays a vital role in global food security, particularly in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest challenges facing aid workers in Ukraine?
According to Oleg Kemin, the biggest challenges include constant shelling, frequent blackouts due to attacks on energy infrastructure, the threat of attack drones, and the difficulty of reaching communities closest to the frontline.
Who are the most vulnerable people in Ukraine right now?
The most vulnerable communities are located in Pokrovsk, Kupyansk, Konstantynivka, and Dobropillya. These include elderly people, pensioners, people with disabilities, and those who have returned to their homes after being unable to find sustainable livelihoods elsewhere.
What is the WFP doing to help Ukraine’s agricultural sector?
The WFP is involved in mine-clearing work to make farmland safe for cultivation, recognizing the importance of Ukrainian grain production for global food security.
As the conflict continues, it is likely that humanitarian needs will only increase, and the challenges of delivering aid will become even more complex. Will innovative solutions be found to protect aid workers and ensure that vital assistance reaches those who need it most?
