Operation Kramatorsk

Operation Kramatorsk: A Race Against Time

7 Kilometres.

That is all that separates the brave volunteers and hundreds of vulnerable animals in Kramatorsk, from the frontlines of the Russian advancement. In this city, the sounds of war are no longer distant echoes — they are a constant, terrifying reality.

Among those standing their ground is the Drooh Animal Shelter and also the incredible Ksenia, who supports a handful of dedicated local shelters and independent rescuers across Kramatorsk. For years, they have been the last line of defence for the animals of the Donbas. But as the conflict intensifies, the mission has shifted from survival to evacuation.

We have been here before. Back in autumn and winter 2023, your absolutely incredible generosity and support allowed the Nowzad Team to transform Drooh. Together, we funded new kennelling to get as many dogs as we could off chains and repaired the perimeter fencing that had been obliterated by a Russian missile strike.

Together, we built a sanctuary. But now, as the conflict intensifies, we must dismantle what we can and drive these animals to safety.

A Bridge to the West

Pen and the team are already on the ground, working alongside Ksenia and local teams to orchestrate a massive logistics operation. We have already begun the first of several high-stakes "rescue runs," successfully evacuating the first groups of dogs on a gruelling 9-hour journey to a partner shelter in Smila, Western Ukraine.

Our goal is to evacuate every possible animal to the safety of the West, where they can eventually find loving families far from the reach of artillery. We aren’t just moving animals; we are moving infrastructure. We are dismantling as much of the kennel components and transportable housing as we can, to rebuild temporary sanctuaries at our destination sites.

A Heartbreaking Choice

We must be honest about the stakes. For those animals whose backgrounds or behaviours make rehoming or long-distance transport nearly impossible, the reality is grim. If the city falls, they face a high risk of being shot on-site by invading forces.

To give them even a fighting chance, the volunteers may be forced to make the agonising decision to release them into the woods or streets to survive on their instincts. It is a desperate alternative, but one that offers a glimmer of hope that staying behind does not. We are working tirelessly to ensure as few animals as possible are left to that fate.

How You Can Help

We need to raise £50,000 immediately to fund this multi-shelter evacuation. These funds will directly cover:-

- Temporary kennelling: Building safe spaces at our partner shelters in the West to house the influx of arrivals. 

- Medical supplies and crates: Ensuring Drooh Animal Shelter, Ksenia and other rescuers have the equipment to keep every dog and cat stable and secure during the long journeys.

- Transport and fuel: For multiple 18-hour round trips through active conflict zones.

If the tide miraculously turns and Kramatorsk remains safe, we will bring them home. But we simply cannot wait to find out.

We did it in Afghanistan with Operation Ark; we are doing it now in Ukraine.