Kramatorsk, Ukraine. The war is at the gates, and we are moving now. We need you to stand with Nowzad immediately as we launch a life-saving evacuation to pull the Drooh Animal Shelter and hundreds of vulnerable animals around Kramatorsk city out of the path of the Russian advancement.
With the frontline just 7 kilometres away, we are no longer just protecting these animals; we are in a race to get them out before it is too late.
We have been here before, and we know what it takes. We are dismantling the very sanctuary we built together to transport as many dogs and cats as we can to safety in western Ukraine.
Behind every number is a story of survival
The sounds of war in Kramatorsk are no longer distant echoes. They are a constant, terrifying reality. Among those standing their ground are the Drooh Animal Shelter and the incredible Ksenia, who supports a handful of dedicated local shelters and independent rescuers. For years, they have been the last line of defence for the animals of the Donbas. But as the conflict intensifies, the mission has shifted from survival to urgent evacuation.
In 2023, your incredible generosity allowed the Nowzad Team to transform Drooh, funding new kennelling and repairing fences obliterated by missile strikes. We built a sanctuary. Now, we must dismantle it and drive these animals to safety.
A Bridge to the West
Pen Farthing, Dr Lach, and Angela are already on the ground, working alongside Ksenia to orchestrate a massive logistics operation. We have already begun high-stakes “rescue runs,” evacuating the first groups of dogs on a gruelling 9-hour journey to partner shelters in Smila and near the capital Kyiv.
We must be honest… For animals whose backgrounds make long-distance transport nearly impossible, the reality is grim. If the city falls, they face a high risk of being shot on-site. To give them even a fighting chance, volunteers may be forced to make the agonising decision to release them into the woods to survive on their instincts. It is a desperate alternative, and we are working tirelessly to ensure as few animals as possible are left to that fate.
How You Can Help
We need to raise £50,000 immediately to fund this multi-shelter evacuation. These funds will directly cover:
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Temporary Kennelling: Building safe spaces at our partner shelters in the West to house the influx of arrivals.
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Medical Supplies and Crates: Ensuring Ksenia and the other rescuers have the equipment to keep every dog secure during the journey.
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Transport and Fuel: Funding multiple 18-hour round trips through active conflict zones.
If the tide miraculously turns and Kramatorsk remains safe, we will bring them home. But we simply cannot wait to find out. We did it in Afghanistan with Operation Ark; we are doing it now in Ukraine.
The situation on the ground changes by the hour. To see the reality of our journey through the “drone tunnels” and to get live updates on the animals we are rescuing, please follow us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Your comments and shares keep the team’s spirits high while they are in the field.
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Thank you for being a part of the Nowzad family!
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