October 13th 2024.
Matt, a young man from Ukraine, is a hero in his own right. But unlike most heroes, he doesn't wear a cape or have his face plastered on magazine covers. In fact, he can't even have his picture taken for security reasons. Matt is among the many brave individuals in his country who have dedicated their lives to saving animals affected by the ongoing war.
At just 24 years old, Matt had already witnessed the horrors of war firsthand. He and his wife, Ruta, were both soldiers in Kupiansk, located just 25 miles from the border. They had been together since their teenage years and had even served together in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. But when the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, invaded Crimea in 2022, everything changed. The couple found themselves in the midst of a full-scale invasion, surrounded by chaos and devastation.
Despite the constant danger, Matt's love for Ruta only grew stronger. He admired her bravery and selflessness, especially when she risked her life to save a tiny cat named Niobe. As Russian bombs rained down around them, Ruta refused to leave the terrified feline behind. This act of compassion and love for animals was just one example of Ruta's incredible character.
But their love story was tragically cut short. In late April, Ruta was killed by a Russian missile while trying to rescue animals from the frontlines. Matt held her in his arms as she took her last breath, and he will never forget her unwavering kindness and dedication to helping innocent creatures in the midst of war.
The impact of war on animals is often overlooked, but it is devastating nonetheless. In Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands of dogs and millions of cats call home, the effects of war are far-reaching. Many animals are left behind, chained in front of war-torn buildings, while others are killed or injured by the heavy metals and destruction caused by bombs and bullets.
But Matt is determined to make a difference. He now lives in the northeast city of Kharkiv and works with a local animal rescue group called Animal Rescue Kharkiv (ARK). Together, they save tens of animals every day from the frontline, providing them with much-needed care and shelter. Matt's dedication to this cause is a testament to his wife's memory and her love for all animals.
In fact, Ruta's love for animals was so strong that she had a mission to help those who were most affected by war – the innocent animals who had no part in the conflict. And now, Matt is fulfilling that mission in her honor. Although he is no longer in the military, he continues to serve his country by caring for its furry inhabitants.
Despite the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Matt has found solace in his work with ARK. He believes that it is his duty to carry on Ruta's legacy and to ensure that her mission lives on. He is a true inspiration, and his story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love and compassion can prevail.
Matt, a young man from Ukraine, is one of the many brave individuals who risk their lives to save animals caught in the midst of war. Unfortunately, for security reasons, Matt's picture cannot be shared. At 24 years old, Matt and his wife Ruta, both soldiers in Kupiansk, were only 25 miles away from the border when the Kremlin launched another attack on their country.
As they witnessed the chaos and devastation caused by the war, Matt couldn't help but feel grateful for Ruta's bravery and love for all animals. Amidst the falling Russian bombs, she ignored her own safety to rescue a tiny, terrified cat named Niobe. To Matt, this was just another reminder of how Ruta was and always will be his first "big love."
Matt and Ruta had been together since they were teenagers, and later served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine together after Russian president Vladimir Putin invaded Crimea. However, everything changed when the full-scale invasion erupted in February of 2022. The intensity and devastation of the war shattered any sense of normalcy, and life would never be the same again.
Sadly, the lives of animals are also greatly impacted by war. Ukraine was once home to hundreds of thousands of dogs and millions of cats, but the ongoing conflict has caused immense harm to their population. War has also taken a toll on the environment, with heavy metals from weapons contaminating the soil and destroying habitats.
In late April, Ruta was killed by Russian missiles while in the main stage of the war in Donbas. Matt recalls holding her in his arms as she took her last breath. Despite the danger, Ruta never stopped caring for animals. Even on the frontlines, she would rescue cats and other animals in need. Today, Matt lives in the northeast city of Kharkiv, and he continues to honor Ruta's memory by carrying on her mission to care for animals affected by war.
Since the war began, more than 30,500 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and over 6.1 million have been forced to flee their homes. The Ukrainian government estimates that 180,000 Russian soldiers have also lost their lives. But amidst all the chaos and destruction, organizations like PETA's German branch and Animal Rescue Kharkiv are working tirelessly to save animals caught in the crossfire.
Matt, who is now a member of Animal Rescue Kharkiv, says that losing Ruta, who was deeply passionate about helping animals, inspired him to join the group. He believes that his work with ARK is a testament to Ruta's courage and love, and he will forever carry her memory in his heart.
In Ukraine, there is a law that allows family members of war victims to be discharged indefinitely. After being discharged, Matt wasted no time and immediately joined Animal Rescue Kharkiv. He has been working with the group ever since, and he says he has never looked back. For Matt, his work with ARK is a way to keep Ruta's memory alive and fulfill her mission of caring for innocent animals affected by war.
Matt concludes by saying, "Ruta and I loved helping animals together, and in the aftermath of her tragic death, my determination to fulfill her mission is even stronger. Her goal was to take care of those who never start wars but end up being the worst affected – the cats, dogs, and other animals. My heart will forever carry her memory."
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