TEAM IN MERCY MISSION
AN underground network of more than 1,000 volunteers is helping to smuggle Ukrainians across the border into Poland.
A salesman named Sergei told the Sunday People how he has helped 50 innocents escape Russia’s bombs.
He spoke to us moments after kissing girlfriend Julia goodbye as she set off on her own mercy mission – to rescue her parents.
Sergei said: “We’re trying to get as many people out as quickly as possible because we’re worried at any time Poland and other European countries could decide too many Ukrainians are arriving and close their borders.”
Sergei, whose home city Chernihiv has been heavily bombed, was with Julia on holiday in Abu Dhabi when the war began ten days ago.
He would like to return to Ukraine to help, but knows he will be forced to stay there as all men of fighting age are being stopped from leaving the country.
Sergei believes he can be more useful to his country by using his logistics skills to help others here in Poland.
Speaking on condition we do not use his full name,
Sergei said: “I’m helping to organise things from here. We’re using encrypted apps to communicate with each other and organise routes and methods for people to get out.
“We’re worried Russians could infiltrate it, but we’re taking precautions to try and stop that and to ensure no sensitive information is publicly shared.
“We need to help because there are not enough police, army and territorial defence staff to be able to do this at the same time as fighting.”
He added after saying farewell to Julia: “She is very brave. It is very dangerous in Ukraine now.”