in Kharkiv, Ukrainians give their blood against the advance of the Russians

Violent fighting continues north of Kharkiv where the region’s only blood collection center is located.

In Ukraine, the residents of Kharkiv are mobilizing and donating blood. The country’s second city is the target of bombings which have left at least 11 dead. Moscow’s offensive continues, but Ukrainian troops still claim to control 60% of the border town of Vovchansk. They say they are fighting house after house to try to avoid the advance of the Russian army.

In a discreet brick building, in the basement, civilians, mostly women, come to donate blood. The place was bombed on February 25, 2022, on the second day of the Russian offensive, leaving one dead and several injured. Sitting on an armchair, bandage around her arm, Ioulia, 24, gives blood for the third time: “I came because my country needs help. I am from Lugansk. If I don’t help, who will?” Lugansk is an occupied territory on the border with Russia. We must make every effort to repel the enemy, says Yulia, whose cousin has just been wounded at the front: “We need to help our military, that’s what we’re trying to do.”

“We must be of most use to them.”

Yulia, resident of Lugansk

at franceinfo

Natalia, a small, energetic woman, took advantage of a day off to come; she works for the Ukrainian railways. “For us, everything is important: donating, donating blood… We need a free Ukraine. Every normal Ukrainian should do everything they can”; she assures.

In her gray suit, the director of the center, Olena Malekhon, remains discreet about the figures. The center supplies both hospitals and soldiers on the front. She knows that this blood bank remains a target for the enemy. “I am very proud of the people of Kharkiv. They come to donate blood, even in extremely difficult conditions. Despite the escalation of recent days, they are not afraid”she emphasizes.

“I’m afraid for myself, for my family, for the people who work here.”

Olena Malekhon, director of the blood donation center

at franceinfo

“Of course it’s war, of course I’m afraid, rtakes Olena Malekhon, but I realize that only we can do this work. No one but us can do it. We must work for the country, it is a step forward, towards victory.” Everywhere on the walls, Ukrainian flags are hung and this pride, displayed in yellow and blue letters, the colors of Ukraine: “We are from Kharkiv, and we are going to tear the Orcs into pieces”implied: Russian soldiers.