How does War zone Evacuation work?

 Evacuation from war zones and hots spots are followed by several transport steps to safer shelter in Western Ukraine (and beyond). This entire process generally takes a few days, sometimes longer. Each stage has unique needs and challenges, so the strategies and forms of transport used are different.

Evacuation begins in war zone hotspots, usually near occupied territory.  This is the most dangerous part of the evacuation process.  Generally, drivers prefer smaller, more maneuverable vehicles, like 8-12 seat vans.  These vehicles allow them to drive more quickly when needed, maneuver off-road without getting stuck, and present a smaller target to fire upon.

Drivers start and end the journey from a hub - a nearby, relatively safe city where they can load up on humanitarian aid to leave behind when picking up evacuees.  For example, it’s common for those evacuating Kharkiv (a large city in Eastern Ukraine) to leave from Poltava, about 145 km (90 miles) away.

Most drivers work with a fleet network, usually 5-15 vans.  Many networks consist of church and humanitarian org volunteer drivers.  They have a dispatcher relaying on-the-ground route updates and pickup instructions.  Often, these networks have a phone hotline, ready to receive pickup addresses.  They prefer to stay smaller to adapt quickly to changing war conditions.

 once a refugee leaves the war zone.  They move toward a stable shelter in a safer place, usually Western Ukraine or across the border.  Some evacuation networks oversee the entire process; they provide transport further west into Ukraine using larger buses.  Others have partners take over - teams who provide further transport or get people onto trains, offer overnight shelters, and operate humanitarian aid warehouses.

This fund focuses on directly supporting war zone evacuation.  This is the first and most dangerous part of the evacuation process.