The Hotline that Evacuated 13,000 Ukrainians & Counting
How Mykola Kuleba’s Save Ukraine center became a pivotal resource for the Ukrainian people amid Russia’s invasion
“When I see how children suffer, I cannot stop crying sometimes. But I have no time to cry. I have to go ahead. I have to fight for our children, for our families, for our country and not stop. It’s time to think about Ukrainian children.” — Mykola Kuleba, founder of Save Ukraine
Since May 2022, Mykola Kuleba’s Save Ukraine center has evacuated thousands of vulnerable Ukrainians — including orphans, people with disabilities, the elderly, and at-risk children and their families.
Mykola first had the idea to create such a platform in 2014, after Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine. He couldn’t stand by and watch while his fellow Ukrainians suffered during the invasion, which primarily affected families in eastern Ukraine through constant, simmering violence.
Inspired by his former role as the Ombudsman for Children within the Office of the President of Ukraine, Mykola founded Save Ukraine with the mission of evacuating the country’s most vulnerable citizens away from war, human trafficking, and other horrors caused by Russia’s invasion.
Mykola launched the assistance platform to better coordinate the activities of charitable organizations, volunteers, faith-based organizations, and other initiatives. Essentially, the platform links those in need with people who can help.
“This is my calling,” says Mykola. “I cannot imagine [any] other life. That’s why it’s hard to think about perspectives or about [the] future. I can only dream about the best future for my country.”
Fast-forward to Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia launched its brutal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Save Ukraine shifted its efforts to establish a hotline for vulnerable Ukrainians trapped in active combat zones. Ukrainians could call in and arrange to be evacuated to safety.
In a short time, the platform expanded to serve as an information hub for the entire country. At-risk Ukrainians found hope with the possibility of no-cost evacuation support for vulnerable and less mobile citizens.
Initially, the hotline consisted only of several mobile phones — all with different numbers, including Mykola’s own personal number — that received calls.
However, as news about the center quickly spread through word of mouth, announcements in metro stations, and grassroots leaflets, Mykola realized he needed to act quickly to meet the rapidly increasing need for evacuation.
In May 2022, USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives helped the center streamline and expand its efforts. With USAID support, the center launched a free 24/7 national hotline under a single number with the ability to simultaneously service 100 incoming and 40 outgoing calls. Since then, the team of roughly 30 people helps up to 500 people evacuate to safety each day, transporting them from active combat zones to one of 15 Save Ukraine centers throughout Ukraine and providing emergency resources. After arriving at one of the centers, evacuees can choose whether to move abroad or to a safer area within Ukraine.
Save Ukraine has a running list of people that have requested evacuation, organized by geographic area. Particularly vulnerable individuals are prioritized, and the initial evacuations are performed by bus. Prior to departure, evacuees are given guidance about what to pack, how to mentally prepare for questioning at military checkpoints, and how to sanitize their phones and other electronic devices in the event of inspection by Russian soldiers.
Save Ukraine’s evacuations have been successful largely due to their brave and experienced bus drivers who know how to navigate the fraught security landscape, in addition to finding the safest routes on any given day.
After the initial escape from Russian-held areas, evacuees are often helped to continue their travels via train or other modes of transportation.
“I sleep only [a] little because more and more and more people are calling,” says Mykola.
“We have a hotline now, it’s much easier for me. I can direct people to [the] hotline. And if somebody call[s] my phone and [says], please help me, we want to be delivered to safety, we immediately react and find somebody close by with [a] car — it’s very hard in occupied territories.”
Save Ukraine also works to increase awareness of evacuation and temporary shelter services, long-term housing, humanitarian aid, and legal assistance and mental health support. As of July 2022, the platform had opened two additional hotlines to address cases of sexual violence and illegal deportation to Russia. Altogether, it receives on average 325 calls per day.
Nearly 40,000 people have received assistance since it launched the evacuation hotline in May.
During this time of urgent need, Mykola is one of many Ukrainians finding innovative ways to get their fellow citizens to safety and renew a sense of hope in Ukraine’s safe, secure, and independent future.
About the Author
Aisha Azimi is a Strategic Communications and Outreach Specialist for USAID’s Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization (CPS) Office of Transition Initiatives.
