Denys Khrystov, a former TV host and YouTube blogger, is now a volunteer evacuating civilians from dangerous frontline areas in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. With almost 200,000 followers on Instagram, Khrystov’s social media now showcases the devastation of Ukrainian cities. Euronews met Khrystov in Brussels to discuss his work amid the ongoing war, describing it as a new “travel show” focused on evacuating civilians.
Khrystov has rescued numerous people from dangerous areas, calculating that he has covered over 1 million kilometers across Ukraine in almost three years. Despite not knowing the exact number of people he has saved, he vividly recalls each person he was unable to evacuate. These individuals often refuse to leave their homes, remaining in bomb shelters to avoid shelling.
Khrystov documents his evacuation efforts on his phone and a GoPro camera, which will be turned into a documentary called “One Percent of War.” The film showcases the evacuation of civilians from towns like Avdiivka, highlighting the dangers faced by those who remain in conflict zones. Khrystov emphasizes the importance of capturing the raw reality of civilian evacuation to counter Russian propaganda.
As Russian forces advance on settlements like Pokrovsk, Khrystov and other volunteers continue to risk their lives to evacuate civilians, many of whom are reluctant to leave for fear of burdening their families. The documentary sheds light on the harrowing experiences of those living in war-torn areas and the ongoing efforts to rescue them from danger.
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