14.04.26
In February, I spent two weeks in my hometown, Kharkiv, Ukraine. I left in 2022 to rescue my child and the animals in my care from the active war zone, so returning now was both comforting and painful.
The city is alive, and people are doing their best to work and live normally, despite air raid alerts that sound almost constantly and explosions in different parts of the city almost every day.
During my visit, I met with the core team of the NGO Together, with whom we’ve been running our longest and, I believe, most impactful project: spaying and neutering dogs and cats. Despite the war leaving the organisation with very few people, they continue their incredible work – sterilising animals, finding lost pets, and lobbying for better animal welfare. Beyond that, it was simply wonderful to see people I deeply respect and admire.
Spaying, neutering, and saving lives amid war
I also spent time with Victoria Kruchyna, head of the NGO Promyn Myloserdia (pictured), who is currently the only person actively working in the organisation, as other volunteers have either relocated or joined the military. Victoria herself moved to Kharkiv after her hometown, Kupyansk, was destroyed.
Thanks to the van provided by Naturewatch Foundation, she continues rescuing, rehoming, evacuating, and sterilising animals. She now drives across towns and villages in the Kharkiv region and even delivers rescued animals to new homes in other parts of Ukraine. The vehicle has been through a lot and often needs repairs, but it remains the main tool for rescuing hundreds of animals.
Victoria kindly invited me to see the flat she is renting. Everything she owns now fits onto a couple of shelves: her favourite books, knitting yarn, and an award recognising her impact on animal welfare in Ukraine.
She also introduced me to the cats and dog she is fostering. The most remarkable was a blind cat called Butterfly. Despite her blindness, she is active, friendly, and incredibly affectionate. We instantly became friends – she purred in my hands and even licked my face. Victoria found Butterfly during an evacuation mission; the kitten had been left in the middle of the road, her eyes damaged by a virus. Although Victoria treated her, her sight could not be restored. Now this little ball of kindness is looking for her perfect family.
It was inspiring to see how, despite everything, people like Victoria continue to dedicate themselves to animals in need.
Decades of dedication to animal welfare in Ukraine
For over 30 years, Naturewatch Foundation has been dedicated to improving animal welfare across Ukraine and beyond. From supporting shelters and rescuers on the frontlines to funding vital programs like spaying, neutering, and disease prevention, our mission has always been to protect animals in need.
We are committed to standing alongside Ukraine’s courageous animal rescuers, providing the resources, support, and encouragement they need to continue their lifesaving work – for as long as they are needed and as long as animals rely on us. Thank you for being there too.
What can YOU do?
- Discover how Naturewatch Foundation is supporting dogs and cats across Eastern Europe—including the rescue van that helps Victoria save animals every day.
- Follow us on social media or share this blog on your own channels.
- Join our mailing list for updates.
- Please donate or set up a monthly direct debit to help fund our work, which includes supporting Ukraine’s incredible animal welfare rescuers. Thank you so much for your kindness.
