Ukrainian Frontline Medics Haunted By Lives Lost

A unit of Ukrainian medics treats up to 10 wounded soldiers a day in their small, improvised emergency center in the Donetsk region. Exhausted team members say they feel haunted by the lives they cannot save.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russi...
***
RFE/RL has one of the largest local reporter networks in Ukraine and the region.
Check (and bookmark) our regularly updated briefing on the latest situation and outstanding reporting: www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russi...
It includes reporting from frontline positions in Donbas to the vulnerable cities of Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv, and Kyiv.
We serve as the trusted source of news locally in 23 countries without a free press.
For our best reporting, visit rferl.org or follow us on:
Facebook / rferl
Twitter / rferl
Instagram / rfe.rl
#russia #ukraine

[@yvonnewey]

Respect to the medics working in such conditions👍🌹 Slava Ukraini🇺🇦💪🇺🇦

[@user-hb7up1fh6r]

Нет там славы . сдохнут они все.

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

These medics.....outstanding humans....amazing!💝🇨🇦 💙💪🇺🇦

[@williamkhatchell620]

Doing your best is all you can do, thanks for being there!

[@user-gq8ep8ry2v]

Surrender is what would be much preferred to spare both Russian and ukranian life but nazi america want ukranian cleansed before getting cleansed themselves 😂

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass?

[@maryk4116]

@Mortablunt Fascist russia shelled Donbas in 2014 and continues to do so now. PUTIN - KAPUT

[@barbaraduffell8179]

Medics are Heroes! God bless you all!

[@TheVoiceOfReason93]

You did what you can, sirs. More would had been lost were it not for your efforts. You are all heroes.

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass?

[@emmajk7433]

Dear Medical Workers, you are truly miracle warriors! You make an active difference in all you do and every human you meet is so appreciative of your courage and hardwork. We all have limits - we applaued you ❤

[@ianturpin9180]

A low bow to the medics from the UK. I pray for your safety as you rush towards danger to save the wounded heroyam. Slava ukraini.

[@user-hb7up1fh6r]

Всех к Бандере отправим .

[@pamelamiller8927]

Bless you for your heroic efforts, sadly no every one can be saved. Love and perseverance!! U.S.A.

[@AJ-Lohinska]

In WWII Medics saved my Ukrainian father's life. He was in an ally country far from Ukraine. He was my Hero, and they were his Heroes. He lost a limb, but he was saved. They were the reason he ended up here to eventually become my Tato. I am eternally grateful to all Medics. I pray for your safety and for your minds. Please know that you are *all* appreciated for what you do for the wounded soldiers in my ancestral land, Ukraine. God bless you all.

[@user-hu6bu8os8k]

Медики молодцы, 5 миллиардов долларов потратили США для прихода к власти националистов, теперь у медиков много работы😢

[@maryk4116]

@макс путинскому нацизму, решившему, что будет безнаказанно убивать украинцев за их национальность в их же собственной стране - КАПУТ! Была анти-гитлеровская коалиция в прошлом веке, а сейчас она анти-путинская. Ясно?

[@S_O_L_O._.R_I_D_I_N_G]

I’m praying for these men and women wish this never had to happen.🙏

[@Subparfat]

The US needs they're proxy

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass?

[@MythicFrost]

Amazing human beings these medics and even if they cant save everyone, carrying the emotional strain and still keep doing their job!

[@debracorneliuson5978]

Glory to all frontline medics! Such a difficult task under horrible conditions. God bless you all! SLAVA UKRAINE ❤🇨🇦🇺🇦🙏🇺🇦🇨🇦❤

[@user-gq8ep8ry2v]

Do you even know the term glory ? 🤔 your comment is so pathetic that I had to comment and do you even know the term slava? Debra the cowgirl ? 😂

[@staceycolangelo8940]

Tеrrorist

[@SuperLaplander]

Medics, the best of people! Brave and caring. Respect and hats off to you all!

[@peppi0304]

Grave injury... Brutal

[@jackjones9460]

A shame they remember lives they couldn’t save instead of all those they did. So many would’ve died without their help.

[@etee7114]

To be a combat medic, you'd need a stomach made of steel and a heart made of gold.

[@mickeberg1234]

Heroes 💪 God bless heroes of Ukraine 🙏🇺🇦🇸🇪🇺🇦

[@danweber8382]

💙💛🙏GLORY to the HEROS🙏💙💛 💙💛🙏GLORY to UKRAINE🙏💙💛

[@helenamurphy6054]

God bless you all medics and wounded

[@user-zb4ig2li2t]

Безкінечна подяка тим сміливим і не зламним, хто рятує життя воїнів світла ,які виборюють свободу у проклятих рабів- росіян Слава кожному і кожній з вас. Ви ангели-хранителі

[@Mortablunt]

Скажи привет Бандере за меня, скоро встретитись.

[@user-zb4ig2li2t]

@@Mortablunt москалятині - до кобзона ,дивись не переплутай

[@Oswald1958]

You are Angels❤

[@pinaytravels2789]

Praying for ukraine. So brave. God bless

[@gohsiewhau4819]

The best is diplomatic negotiating for peace. This is to rescue lives being lost through wars n fighting n fallen to conflicts- or war-mongers' traps. The collective west led by america wanted to enrich their military Industrial complex n selfish private own pockets !!! Their planned goal is to destroy/weaken Russia 👀🔎🧐🙄🤔🤑💸💰👹😈👎💣 They want this proxy to the last Ukrainian !!! Both sides' people are killed n injured, it is never only one side suffered casualties/dead 👀🔎🧐💀☠️ Once dead, there is no way to reverse. Human lives are precious,don't fall into the wicked politicians' trap n wake up 👀🔎🧐 Only peace n harmony with all beings n universe is The Way, hopefully your politician can wake up soon. His wealth n 🤑💸💰 will mean nothing when he stoll has conscience 👀🔎🧐🤔🤔🤔

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass?

[@jasonarthur3640]

Two really powerful images bookend this report. First, there’s the soldier who jumps out of the way of the ones who are hauling in the next patient because every second counts when you’re trying to save lives. Then, when the camera zooms in on the number 300 printed on the back of the ambulance, I thought about how some observers have compared Ukraine’s fearless resistance during this conflict to that of the legendary Spartans. RFE’s reporters should get a boatload of awards for this kind of work, in my honest opinion.

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass?

[@jasonarthur3640]

@@Mortablunt I think most folks would agree that the world would be a better place if Russia would focus more on guaranteeing the happiness of its own citizens as opposed to constantly trying to meddle in the affairs of other countries. Needless to say, any suffering that resulted from 2014 has only increased since Putin’s decision to launch a full-scale invasion.

[@Darryl1963D]

Bless the medics. Respect from Australia.

[@luisalizondo4973]

God bless to you

[@asharma9345]

Deepest Respect To all Doctors. Without them , Half of us would be dead.

[@davisworth5114]

These medics are heroes, pray for them, they will carry these memories all their lives.

[@saroshvarghese362]

Very sorry to see this struggle and I curse the war criminals who are responsible for all thus hardships. Thanks to all the doctors who are taking care of the wounded soldiers. God bless you all. 🙏

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass? Don’t worry soon this war will be over and the ones responsible will be punished severely. The Nazis of Kyiv and their backers are going to have to beg Pushilin and Putin for mercy. Eight years of genocide will not go unanswered. ZOV!

[@saroshvarghese362]

@@Mortablunt Don't worry. Your great mad psycho dictator putin will get punished soon. 😛👎👎👎

[@peteredwards3946]

You Medics are all Angels putting your lives at Risk To Save a Life Such Bravery Thank you from Australia 🇦🇺 XX

[@maplehouseknives]

Hero's...all of you...

[@alicehicks9500]

Your compassion and support for the heroes of Ukraine 🇺🇦 ❤ 💙 🙏 is awesome 👌

[@hansericsson7058]

You are real heroes, Slava Ukraini!

[@terimcgehee1673]

My heart bleeds for all of you. From lady on texas.ranch

[@b0w3rick43]

Much respect to the medics and the Ukrainian soldiers 🙏 🙏🙏🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦❤️

[@Russia-bullies]

Thanks for featuring unsung heroes & heroines & for your efforts.

[@hardwareful]

I wonder if those medics, brave and professional as they are, each have a limit to how many fatalities they can see, and then no more. Glory to the heroes.

[@ivancho5854]

Of course they can only cope with so much. That's what makes them brave: doing a job that they know will haunt them, but doing it anyway. Slava Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇬🇧

[@josephking6515]

@@ivancho5854 *Героям слава!*

[@osamabuabbas7144]

Brave men and women of ukraine. Long live ukraine and glory for heroes

[@jeffsiegwart]

Damn Russians!

[@kw2519]

I know. It’s fucked…

[@jonthinks6238]

​@@kw2519 the invading russian Orcs are fucked.

[@kw2519]

@@jonthinks6238 they have been getting fucked lol that is true

[@samopdrift]

These frontline medics have my deepest respect and love. Heroyim slava!

[@alonsocushing2263]

Not all heroes in this war are on the frontline. And these wonderful medics and doctors all look so tired.

[@realkina84]

I envy the cold blood and determination they display. This is real strength. Slava!

[@JLK7700]

You all are heroes! We believe in you and support you!

[@judynewton8429]

God Bless the soldiers and medics!!

[@dirkschmidt4786]

Very, very good. God bless you all.

[@larsandersson4394]

For what it worth i send respect and ❤to all of you

[@davidholmer6099]

I am in awe of amazing and heroic work on display here. Wow. May this war end soon.

[@murthy2680]

Hats off ukraine soldier and medics. Team

[@XNeo27564]

Strong people 🙏

[@stephenjwprior6358]

🇺🇦Wow They're very Brave soldiers and the medics 🇺🇦 I will pray for ukraine love from England 🌹

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass?

[@suomipoika90]

Medics the heart of the army, and civil life too. Thanks to heros helping thoes in need.

[@markhebner2344]

God bless them

[@cynthiamarie2107]

👏👏👏👏👏👏 Slava Ukraini ✊️🇺🇦🇺🇲🌍🗽🌻

[@christinemartin4276]

Thank you heros, you are amazing ❤️❤️🙏🙏🇺🇦

[@jenniferhoyte2644]

God bless the Heroes of Ukraine 🇺🇦💪💪

[@SiggyMe]

As a doc of 35 plus years an expert on PTSD. I have lost many young patients to gunshot wounds over the years, got up at 2am to drive to tell the families of their lost. For years I heard their universal response, pretty much the same words and always the same cry of lost, which after awhile will haunt you. My experience pales to what is going on in Ukraine. My heart goes to out to them. There were times I had to go somewhere private and cry it got so bad. There will be literally millions of Ukrainians for generations with PTSD thanks to Putin. Also Russians will suffer their sins too. If those at home in Russia think this war distant from them is a free mental health ride, they are going to have a rude awaking. Putin brings ruin on them too. War benefits no none even those that think that they have something to prove by harming others bring woe unto themselves, family members, friends, fellow citizens. Putin is wrong in everyway and this has to end.

[@lindalowenthal5]

PRAYER and DONATIONS

[@samorayee420]

Go forward Ukraine. You have so many hero . You lost so many hero . You standing but you will powerful country again . I respect you from my heart . For those who in frontline they are reality hero ❤❤❤ glory glory glory Ukraine

[@carlosalbertomelgar1681]

Gloria a los bravos valientes soldados ucranianos estamos orando a Dios por ellos asta la victoria

[@braxtondamico3599]

Here’s a truth, sad lives have leave us for this truth to come in, but, every evil, has its end day and, it is never a peaceful separation from the world. Peace to you all out there ❤

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

I feel for these Dr. and Nurses they are going to have a very difficult time getting over what they are seeing there souls will definitely be scarred - I wish them the best and hope this stupid War ends very soon.........

[@didequen3339]

These are heros. When this war will end and peace restored.

[@richardmessenger9474]

Very brave angels of mercy....Slava Ukraine....

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass?

[@richardmessenger9474]

@@Mortablunt Ukraine army were not allowed to return fire...it was the so called separatists that were doing all the shelling and they have ended up as cannon fodder and joined Givi and Motorola rotting in their graves...my heart pumps purple piss for them

[@isabellac1117]

RESPECT the First Responders, Medics, Nurses, Doctors, Drivers; Everyone who works to keep these areas safe & operating the best they can. Ukrainians under hundreds of years of various controlling forces, DESERVE TO LIVE IN PEACE & Prosper.

[@JD-jg6ov]

For those interested in the medical findings, 1:47 shows no rising of chest on Right side with each respiration. So he has a collapsed lung and probably thorax filled with blood. They will put a chest drain in within a few minutes and hopefully save him. Is clearly in respiratory distress even after being wrapped up in ambulance….not looking good. Narration did say bullet went through and through so came out the back and missed midline structures….so there is hope. This aide station

[@carlosantoniomengualperez3649]

Fuerza a esos médicos un aplauso para todos

[@sawomirlep6788]

Sercem z Wami. 🇺🇦🇵🇱

[@Mortablunt]

Yes cheer on the people whose national hero killed hundreds of thousands of your countrymen for the crime of being not Ukrainian.

[@colinskelding8959]

Sad and horrifying. End the war. Slava Ukraine!!

[@lyn.267]

❤Lord please help and protect the medics and the military give them strength and courage give them second chance. 🙏 God our strength came from You God .Please guide them and protect them 🙏 ❤️.

[@xras66]

doctors see more nightmares of war than soldiers.

[@Physco219]

Amazing job these medics as well as the ones on the front do. Keep up the great work. 👍 f putin!

[@5ty717]

Legends

[@MrKim-kv2vv]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@LHSJ]

" pessoas cansadas da guerra "

[@aaahtex902]

**WHEN LIVES ARE SAVED, YOU IMMEDIATELY BECOME AN ANGEL!!!** **GOD BLESSED US ALL WITH THESE SPECIAL GOD SENDS!!!** **SLAVA UKRAINI!!!**

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass?

[@ATITKD]

Not one life would have been lost if something wasn't stolen..

[@joshuastanton6731]

Thank you for showing the world this, great reporting on a dangerous topic in an active war zone, extremely impressive.

[@dinayoung4797]

God please protect the Ukraine soldiers. Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@mickgps]

Men women and children suffering because of politicians ! How much of a sacrifice has any politician made in this conflict you never see any of them on the operating table from both sides of the conflict!!! They are too busy hiding .

[@ihatepeas46]

💔😢🙏🇺🇦❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏

[@user-xc3up9dp9s]

Как же этот актёр будет отвечать перед тысячами матерями.

[@slowmotion1798]

Slava Ukraine from finland!!

[@Mortablunt]

I see somebody wants to go 0 and four against Russia.

[@Khronogi]

If you are a medic and you ever meet me and need a hug, I got you.

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

I can only imagine. Dear Ukraine: So sorry for your losses. Your people gave their lives for freedom. There is a resurrection.

[@davidyu5049]

🥺

[@segasega5275]

Как же это все печально что мы воюем друг с другом

[@szpynda]

Chwała Bohaterom!

[@Mortablunt]

So where was all this compassion and concern for human suffering during the eight years of shelling against Donbass?

[@ibelieveingod5524]

Godbless Ukraine

[@josephpearson4055]

We all need to end the ORCS.

[@jorgericky]

Viva Ucrania 🇺🇦 👍🏼 screw Rusia 👎🏼

[@karensheehan2878]

God Bless the medics. One can only do ones best in any situation. After that it's God's will.

[@crystalharris7394]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🕯️

[@josueporrasporras1890]

Ya por el amor de Dios que pare esa guerra q solo hay muerte y destruccion

[@mr.woowoo8826]

WAR, WAR NEVER CHANGES!

[@chitucmaria3493]

RECUNOSTINTA SALVATORILOR EROII VIVA 🇺🇦🇺🇦😓❤❤

[@aaronjennings8385]

Hmmm.

[@siamvips5420]

Glory to Ukraine,,,,,

[@user-qz8xr5ol8l]

Дорогие украинцы,ВСУ желаю вам здоровья,силы меньше потерь и побед душевно поддерживаем вас с любовью и уважением Узбекистан из Самарканда!

[@Mortablunt]

А я надеюсь что каждый из вас бы умер очень больно и медленно, вы нацистки, за твои грехи против твоих соседей в Донбасе!

[@serepecmarijo5319]

can we hear russian communicom?

[@passenger3]

Murderous