TestenGOLD- Free

Race against time to halt rabies spread from Ukraine

The Independent|June 02, 2024
A disease that has been largely eradicated from Europe is raising its head in a war-torn country where millions of abandoned pets are running wild. Ahead of a film exposing the public health crisis, Joe Shute talks to those affected
Race against time to halt rabies spread from Ukraine

Over the past two years operating along the Ukrainian front line, Khrystyna Drahomaretska has gained a veteran's understanding of the battle tactics employed by the invading Russian troops.

During the day, the 27-year-old explains, they will freely dispatch cheap kamikaze drones to kill anyone on sight. At night, however, the high-value drones equipped with hi-tech sensors are used more sparingly to target vehicles instead.

That was the calculation she made two weeks ago while conducting a daring night-time rescue operation a few hundred metres from the Russian positions near the city of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region where Putin’s forces are currently pushing towards.

Mindful of the night vision drones, she ditched her van and crept towards her target on foot. But the enemy started firing anyway, with more than a dozen missiles launched towards her position. Hiding behind a copse of trees, one exploded nearby sending a knuckle-sized piece of shrapnel searing straight through her leg.

Khrystyna applied a tourniquet and was taken to a nearby army base before being transported back to a hospital in Kharkiv where thankfully she was told the damage was just muscle and tissue. “The doctors told me I should spend one month in hospital on a bed but I said that’s impossible,” Khrystyna says. In the end, she discharged herself after two days; her mission was too vital for her to rest.

That mission is not some clandestine military operation, but rescuing and treating pets. Khrystyna is part of a network of civilian volunteers risking life and limb to combat one of the lesser-known catastrophes of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but one that is rapidly mushrooming into a public health crisis that could cross borders.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 02, 2024-Ausgabe von The Independent.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 9.500 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 02, 2024-Ausgabe von The Independent.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 9.500 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS THE INDEPENDENTAlle anzeigen
Trump's irrational travel ban is an exercise in extremism
The Independent

Trump's irrational travel ban is an exercise in extremism

To borrow a famous phrase from another American president, no one should ever misunderestimate the capacity for idiocy of Donald J Trump.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
'I wanted to be a singersongwriter like Billy Joel'
The Independent

'I wanted to be a singersongwriter like Billy Joel'

Disney composer Alan Menken has won more Oscars than anyone alive. As 'Hercules' the musical hits the West End, he speaks with Lydia Spencer-Elliott about finding the 'whoa'

time-read
6 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Champion Swiatek toppled by late Sabalenka surge
The Independent

Champion Swiatek toppled by late Sabalenka surge

The reign is over. It's a reality that will hit Iga Swiatek as brutally as a thumping forehand return from Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated the French Open champion 7-6, 4-6, 6-0 to reach her first Roland Garros final.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Briton held in Sri Lanka jail could wait months for bail
The Independent

Briton held in Sri Lanka jail could wait months for bail

Charlotte May Lee accused of smuggling synthetic cannabis

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Labour bans annual bonuses for six water company chiefs
The Independent

Labour bans annual bonuses for six water company chiefs

Six water companies have been banned from paying bonuses to senior bosses, under new rules that come into force today.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Labour beats SNP in shock Hamilton by-election win
The Independent

Labour beats SNP in shock Hamilton by-election win

Labour recorded a shock victory in the Holyrood by-election last night, seizing the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat from the SNP.

time-read
1 min  |
June 06, 2025
Wiegman dismisses 'noise' around Lionesses squad
The Independent

Wiegman dismisses 'noise' around Lionesses squad

England head coach Sarina Wiegman 'really excited' by her Euro 2025 side despite much-publicised loss of senior trio

time-read
3 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Those who could benefit from winter fuel U-turn
The Independent

Those who could benefit from winter fuel U-turn

In a latest U-turn after months of backlash, Sir Keir Starmer's government has announced that more pensioners will receive the winter fuel allowance.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
Boy and girl sentenced for killing of 80-year-old man
The Independent

Boy and girl sentenced for killing of 80-year-old man

Bhim Kohli was found screaming out’ in pain near his home

time-read
2 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025
James has talent to light up Euros... if her fitness allows
The Independent

James has talent to light up Euros... if her fitness allows

The past week hasn't exactly been an oasis of calm for the Lionesses. Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have retired from international football, Millie Bright withdrew from selection for Euro 2025.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
June 06, 2025

Wir verwenden Cookies, um unsere Dienste bereitzustellen und zu verbessern. Durch die Nutzung unserer Website stimmen Sie zu, dass die Cookies gesetzt werden. Learn more