An Edinburgh man shares his emotional experience on the Ukraine frontline
Edinburgh: An Edinburgh man, Oleg Dmitriev, recently returned from a trip to Ukraine’s frontline. He described the scene as reminiscent of World War II movies.
He shared photos showing abandoned tanks and bomb craters scattered across villages near the combat zones. Oleg, a Ukrainian expat living in Edinburgh, started a charity called Sunflower Scotland to help deliver essential supplies to those in need.
Since the war began, he’s made 15 trips back to Ukraine, with his latest journey kicking off on December 26. After returning, he opened up about the emotional toll of witnessing the ongoing conflict.
Oleg mentioned that everyone on the frontline is scared, and the situation is changing rapidly. He felt a heavy pressure while there, with artillery blasts echoing in the distance.
During his trip, he got as close as three kilometers from the frontline. His photos captured the destruction, showing him next to wrecked tanks and bombed-out buildings.
While doing his aid work, Oleg had to be cautious about gathering in groups, as Russian drones can strike far beyond the frontline. Despite the risks, he’s committed to returning, saying it breaks his heart to see the suffering.
On this trip, he donated various supplies, including mattresses and a power generator, to civilians and military personnel. He also visited a hospital overwhelmed with soldiers, where conditions were dire.
Oleg described the hospital as chaotic, with beds crammed into every corner. He noted that soldiers were suffering from pneumonia and frostbite, and the nurses were working tirelessly.
He also brought some Scottish treats for the troops, like Tunnock’s caramel wafers and IrnBru. Oleg donated winter tires and a vehicle to a battalion that had recently faced heavy losses.
Feeling emotionally drained yet determined, he plans to return to Ukraine in February. Sunflower Scotland is actively seeking donations to support their ongoing efforts, especially for vehicles.
