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Living close to the frontline means more than surviving the constant threat of an attack —it is also a daily battle for basic needs, like medical care.

In the liberated areas of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, one organisation named Dignitas Ukraine is stepping in where many clinics were forced to close following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Despite the dangers, which include drone attacks and mined roads, the team of volunteers works seven days a week, covering 27 communities in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.

Some villages become inaccessible due to harsh winter conditions cutting off roads, isolating them.

In the community of the once-occupied Biskvitne (located approximately 25km from Kharkiv), Dignitas Ukraine set up shop in a shed for the next few hours, with residents patiently waiting for their turn to be seen by the doctor.

The organisation offers medical and psychological support to those who, by choice or not, have remained. Most often, the population that has chosen to stay consists mainly of elderly people, attached to their homes and land, and unwilling to be evacuated.

Meanwhile, most of the youth have fled further west, to cities such as Lviv, away from the frontline.

Co-founder Anna Nikonenko was working with veterans before she began the mobile clinic. When explaining the role of the clinic, she said that one of the most important aspects of their visits is simply showing locals they have not been forgotten.

“When we arrive, for them, it is important to feel that someone cares about them. It is a form of support. It is good for them to hear that they will make it. We are just here to support them,” said Anna.

She added, “A country cannot exist without its people. So we are here, helping people so our country is not completely destroyed.”

Daily attacks have left behind a massive amount of destruction. Schools, hospitals, houses—all have been targeted, as well as vital energy infrastructures such as water, gas, and electricity.

However, no matter the challenge, Anna says she faces day-to-day life with optimism. “Surviving. Holding on, no matter what. That is the most important thing. And not giving up, I guess that is it,” she added. “And staying optimistic. No matter how, excuse my language, shitty things get, you have to find something positive. Always. Always.”

Many of the residents living in rural areas have limited access to transport and financial resources, a situation exacerbated by the war.

Yevhenia Mykolaivna Palkhovna was born in the region’s capital, Kharkiv, but has lived in Biskvitne for over 40 years, where her whole family is buried, including two of her children.

Yevhenia evacuated during the Russian invasion with her 35-year-old disabled son, Anatoliy, but returned when the area was liberated. When asked if she would leave again if another invasion occurred, she shook her head, swallowed her tears, and said:

“I will be buried here. I am not going anywhere. I will stay here for him. I do not want him to be left behind. This is our land. This is our home.”

The 77-year-old relies on the clinic to visit her home and care for her and her son, but Dignitas Ukraine also helps with other necessities such as food and firewood.

Hypertension, diabetes, viral infections and trauma

Volunteer doctor Ishchenko Tetiana Borisivna from Kharkiv is a paediatrician, a haematologist (a doctor who specialises in blood disorders), and also teaches paediatrics at Kharkiv Medical University. However, she said she felt as though she was not doing enough. “I felt that what I was doing was not everything I could do for society, for Ukraine, and for our region.”

When asked about how she felt about the constant danger of Shahed drones, Tetiana answered, “I do not care. We do not count them; we endure as best we can,” adding, “We adapt.” Unfortunately, most Ukrainians have become accustomed to living in these conditions.

Tetiana is ready to work no matter the conditions, as long as she is given authorisation from the organisation. “We do not pay attention to the environment or the social status of the patients. If you are told to do that, you do it. We do what needs to be done. As for me, if I am told there is a need, I will go to work.”

Tetiana reported that the most common illnesses they treat are hypertension, diabetes, viral infections, and trauma.

Dignitas Ukraine is one of many NGOs that work tirelessly to play their part in this war affecting civilians. But during our time with the volunteers, it was clear that persistence and resilience were their only way forward.