Updated 1 November 2026. This article recounts the incident reported to AWAMO on 18 October 2026. The confirmed donations and subsequent repair information below were added in this later update.
An Australian volunteer driver survived and the remaining animals were safely evacuated. One dog tragically lost its life.
We have received devastating news from our partners at Druzi Space in Kramatorsk, Ukraine. Their animal evacuation van — a lifeline for rescuing injured and abandoned animals from frontline areas — was struck by a drone during a rescue mission.
In an update shared with AWAMO on 18 October 2026, Ksenia from Druzi Space reported that the strike hit the back of the van. Tragically, one dog was killed. The remaining animals were safely evacuated to their destinations.
The van’s Australian volunteer driver was left shaken by the attack. Ksenia reported that he was recovering well and had already returned to supporting rescue operations. Her account did not confirm a physical injury.
For the Druzi Space team, reliable transport is essential to bringing animals out of danger. The photographs supplied to AWAMO show extensive damage to the van — a vehicle that has helped carry animals away from frontline areas and towards safety.
The damaged vehicle was transported to Kamianske, where the team assessed repair options and raised funds to return it to service. Without it, rescue operations become significantly more difficult and dangerous.
Behind the damage are people who lost an animal in their care and still refuse to abandon the next one in need. Our thoughts are with the volunteers and everyone affected by this attack.
AWAMO has donated €1,000 towards Druzi Space’s rescue-van repairs and €1,000 to Liuba’s veterinary-treatment project. These payments have now been confirmed, building on substantial practical and financial assistance provided over time.
Our connection with this vehicle began before the strike. We previously helped fund tyres and engine work to keep it on the road and support its lifesaving animal evacuation missions. Seeing this hardworking vehicle so badly damaged is heartbreaking.
Earlier Druzi Space reports also confirmed that AWAMO assistance helped with shelter rent, kitten food and treatment, and outstanding veterinary bills.
Our support extends well beyond this latest emergency. It has included first-aid equipment and practical resources for animal carers and rescue organisations, specialised horse medication delivered through a long-standing supporter, and €2,000 towards cat litter for shelters caring for displaced and rescued animals.
We have also continued to support animal evacuation, shelter needs and veterinary care, helping local teams respond to urgent needs as they arise. This work builds on our earlier food and essential-supply support and animal first-aid training.
By 23 October, Ksenia reported that repairs were underway, alongside continuing fuel costs and urgent veterinary treatment. Two sick cats were awaiting evacuation from Kramatorsk — a reminder that animals still needed help while the team worked to restore the van.
Read our separate 23 October rescue-van repairs and animal-care update →
We stand with Ksenia, Liuba, Van and the many courageous volunteers across Ukraine who refuse to abandon animals in need. Their resilience, compassion and determination inspire our continuing commitment to practical support.
You can help by sharing this story, following Druzi Space’s updates, or supporting our Ukraine appeal. Funds raised support AWAMO’s work in Ukraine. Any surplus may support other AWAMO animal welfare missions.
ANOTHER WAY TO SUPPORT
Choose from two Ukraine animal pins, with purchases supporting AWAMO’s work in Ukraine and beyond.
$10
A dog and cat design in Ukraine’s colours, supporting AWAMO’s charitable work.
$20
A numbered limited-edition dog and cat pin, supporting AWAMO’s charitable work.
Help animals affected by war. Visit our Ukraine appeal to learn more and make a donation.
