In a breathtaking display of courage and precision, Ukrainian special forces executed a perilous nighttime evacuation, saving more than 200 severely wounded soldiers from certain capture by advancing Russian troops.
The dramatic operation unfolded at a military hospital near the fiercely contested town of Vuhledar in the Donetsk region. With Russian forces closing in and artillery shells raining down, the decision was made to abandon the medical facility. The critically injured troops, many unable to move themselves, faced a dire fate if left behind.
A Race Against Time
Under the cover of darkness and amidst ongoing shelling, evacuation vehicles were loaded with patients in a frantic, organised chaos. Medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilise patients for movement, knowing that capture by Russian forces could lead to interrogation, torture, or worse.
"We understood that if we stayed, we would be captured. For the wounded, this was not an option," one of the organising officers told The Independent. The last vehicles reportedly left just hours before Russian troops stormed the now-empty hospital.
The Perilous Journey to Safety
The convoy faced immense danger navigating through active combat zones, damaged roads, and constant threat of attack. Their successful journey to a secure medical facility represents a significant morale victory for Ukrainian forces, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to leave no soldier behind.
This heroic rescue underscores the brutal realities of the war in Ukraine, where even hospitals are not spared from the front lines, and the immense value placed on every soldier's life.
