The Dnieper River has become a frontline as the city of Kherson was liberated by Ukrainian forces and Russian soldiers entrenched along the eastern riverbed.
For the 47-year-old construction worker Oleksiy Kovbasyuk, rescuing the elderly residents caught in the crossfire has become a life’s task. His old tin boat still works.
Snipers, artillery fire, and the freezing water make the short journey a life-threatening one.
The volunteer aid workers distribute bread to those in need and evacuate those who want to get to a safer place.
Potemkin Island was a holiday paradise before the war. People still live in many of the small summer houses.
– Oleksiy! I’m so glad to see you, brother, says pensioner Oleksandr Sokolyk before hugging Oleksiy.