— They have visited Donbass many times. Tell me what they are doing there?
The answer: the first trip was in April, on business, filming for Channel One. From the very first visit, it became clear that this would turn into regular work, because the situation could not be ignored or forgotten.
This week the Women of Donbass project launched. It focuses on the stories of women who have endured eight years of conflict. The goal is not only to tell these stories but to invite citizens from Canada and the United States to participate in supporting the lives of these women and their families.
What can you share about the characters and their journeys?
There are no simple tales. The stories are powerful and unforgettable. Donbass women carry a unique strength and pride. A common trait is that they often struggle to ask for help. They tend to listen first to others and speak up for their loved ones before themselves.
One striking example is Nina Ponomareva from Mariupol. Her husband was killed by a sniper in their courtyard, and he was buried at home. The children still visit the grave to replay the moment, and the house remains uninhabitable. When asked how help could be offered, Nina requested assistance not for herself, but for her mother-in-law, who had also suffered from the conflict—losing a leg in an explosion. With five children to care for, Nina seeks funds for a prosthesis for her mother-in-law.
Then there is the extraordinary story of Yulia Mikhailova, who came under fire in 2015. After twelve surgeries, she lost an arm and a leg. The moment is hard to forget, yet she did not yield. She later joined a rehabilitation center, helping others who were wounded by shelling and landmines.
Svetlana Bunakova delivered babies in the basement of a Mariupol maternity hospital, a witness to months of war. She helped bring thirty newborns into the world during periods of crisis, and at a crucial moment she rose to become the deputy chief physician of the hospital.
There is also Lisa, the eldest of four children, who became the head of the family at seventeen after her mother died and was laid to rest in the garden. Valentina is another heroine who cares for homeless animals, rescuing them and nursing injured pets. The collection features thirty deeply moving, hopeful, and heroic stories that inspire both empathy and action.
— Have local hospitals been visited to connect with injured residents?
– The first visit was to the Republic Trauma Center, where many injured children from Mariupol and Donetsk were treated. The memory of a small child saying, “But I’m hurt,” remains haunting. A four-year-old should not know such pain. Since then, every trip to Donetsk has included a visit to the center. Evgeny Zhilitsyn, head of the children’s department at the Republican Center for Traumatology, stands out as a true hero for his work—saving limbs and performing operations that are almost unimaginable under harsh conditions.
There were moments when the crew faced shelling while on the front lines. A sense of fear lingered, yet the drive to document and help remained. In one instance, a story followed Olga Seletskaya, held captive for months. Shelling raged nearby, but the resilience in her voice and spirit did not waver.
– How is humanitarian aid progressing for residents? Is it sufficient?
Humanitarian aid is never ample. The more people contribute, the more help can reach those in need. Giving brings a profound sense of lightness and purpose. Seeing grateful eyes can spark a desire to give even more. The call to help is simple: any contribution matters. Even small amounts, like a modest donation of 100 rubles, can accumulate to meaningful impact when many people participate. The reach and effect become visible only when seen in person, and every little bit helps.
– How can donors be sure their funds reach the intended heroes?
All support goes directly to the project heroes. On the Women of Donbass project site, each story includes a link and a QR code to contribute to the featured heroine. The commitment to transparency is strong, backed by the Generations Memorial Foundation and the All-Russian People’s Front. Donors receive full accounting of the funds raised and transferred. The belief is clear: philanthropy should be transparent, and every contributor has the right to know how their gift is used. Each story will be reported on openly.
— What is the scope of the Women of Donbass project?
There are 30 mini-movies created with support from the Internet Development Institute. They offer a detailed look at each heroine, how to assist her, and practical steps for helping. These stories are designed to leave a lasting impression and to mobilize support.
— Are there future plans focused on social issues?
Yes. Public and social initiatives have long mattered more than formal events. The Man/Woman program has become a core part of understanding the country’s reality, guiding ongoing filming for Channel One. The focus remains on the most vulnerable—elderly people and children. A forthcoming project in collaboration with the Popular Front will explore support for orphans, aiming to make a meaningful difference. The commitment to these causes is sincere and enduring.
– Any final reflection on the safety of those traveling to Donbass?
Truthfully, fear exists. Explosions and danger are real, and yet a clear purpose keeps the work moving forward. The concern for loved ones remains strongest, particularly for children, but a determined resolve helps carry the effort to bring aid and attention where it is needed most.