Kathrine Frich
Across Europe, the war in Ukraine continues to stir emotions, drawing in volunteers from all walks of life determined to offer their help.
From medical supplies to humanitarian aid, individuals are finding unique ways to make a difference.
Among them is a British volunteer who has seen firsthand how Ukrainians view the world beyond their borders, including the political powers shaping their future.
70 years of help
For the past year, 70-year-old Peter White from the West Midlands has been driving ambulances from the UK to Ukraine, delivering life-saving vehicles and equipment to communities ravaged by Russian attacks.
His first donated ambulance was destroyed by a missile, while his later vehicles now help transport injured or disabled children across Dnipro and Chernivtsi.
During his missions, he has gained an insight into how Ukrainians perceive global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Deeply puzzled
Peter explained that Ukrainians are deeply puzzled by Trump’s shifting statements about the war.
“Ukrainians are baffled by Trump’s behaviour as much as they’re baffled by Putin’s behaviour,” he said.
Teaching at Chernivtsi University, he found it difficult to explain America’s political divides to his students.
“I was trying to explain Trump to them and why America now seems to hate Europe so much, it was a pretty complex task!” he added.
They don’t understand
Peter said many Ukrainians remain bewildered by Russia’s aggression, given the shared history between the two nations.
“About a third of the population of Russia itself has links with Ukraine,” he said. “The people I spoke to didn’t really understand why Russia should have turned against them so viciously.”
During his most recent visit to Kyiv, he experienced the largest bombardment of the war so far.
“It was horrendous. In the early hours of the morning, too. There’s natural fatigue on the part of the Ukrainians. They don’t see an end to it,” he said.
“You’re forever hearing of casualties, and the cities come to a stop whenever the funerals of the young soldiers pass by,” he added.
One mans mission
When asked about President Volodymyr Zelensky, Peter said Ukrainians maintain a healthy scepticism.
“Ukrainians have a very healthy, natural scepticism about any politician,” he explained. “That’s a sign of a good democracy if they can be vocal about him sometimes.”
He also pointed out that elections are constitutionally impossible during wartime, adding that Zelensky has vowed to step down once peace is restored.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
