Heroic medics and ambulances damaged during Vladimir Putin’s brutal war on Ukraine are visiting the UK to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
And one of them, Iryna ‘Lucky’ Knyzhnyk, 46, has taken the opportunity to restate her determination to help those both in need, despite the deaths of almost 200 of her colleagues since February 24, 2022.
The landmark occasion will offer politicians and members of the public a chance to hear compelling testimony from people who have witness the horrors of war first hand.
The medics and ambulance will tour the UK between February 14 and 24, taking in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Manchester. First stop is Old Palace Yard next to Houses of Parliament from 11am tomorrow, where it will remain until Thursday.
Ms Knyzhnyk, 46 from Vinnytsia, Central Ukraine, said: “The frontline in Ukraine might feel distant for some people in the UK, but we Ukrainians have felt the weight of support and solidarity from the British public and British politicians from across the political spectrum – and it means so much to us.
“I’m looking forward to meeting people from all over the UK to talk about the situation in Ukraine, and about my own experiences as a frontline medic, in the hope that we can maintain and grow the special bond that exists between our countries and the solidarity that the UK has shown since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion two years ago.”
She continued: “We’re all medics because we want to be out there saving lives. But the number of frontline medics killed since the start of the war is horrendous.
“Almost 200 have been killed over the last two years and countless hospitals and medical facilities have been bombed, it’s appalling.
“We’re going to keep on treating those who need medical care, but the only way to stop this for good is to help Ukraine end the war and push Russia out of the country.”
Medics have been repeatedly targeted during the war with more than 170 killed with Russian weapons as they tried to save lives while more 1,200 attacks have targeted health centres, hospitals and ambulances over the past two years, according to event organisers the Ukrainian Solidarity Project.
Also on hand will be Yulia ‘Taira’ Paievska, who spent three months in captivity, smuggling footage of her bodycam out to in a tampon.
Her bravery resulted in dramatic depictions of atrocities in Mariupol being exposed to the world. Ms Paievska has subsequently testified in front of the US Senate.
Uliana Poltavets, Ukraine Emergency, Response Coordinator at Physicians for Human Rights, a partnering organisation of the tour, said: “Bombs raining down.
“The risk of captivity and torture. The electrical grid knocked out.
“Ukrainian health workers regularly face all these threats and more as they work to save lives, especially in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.
“Medical personnel and the health care facilities they work in are protected under international law.
“Russia’s brutal and ongoing attacks on health must not be used as a method to intimidate the civilian population.”
