Russian forces have once again inflicted a devastating strike on civilians and Ukrainian defenders, hitting the base of the Volunteer Medical Battalion “Hospitallers” in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region
This tragic event has become one of the many brutal milestones of the war, destroying the lives of thousands of Ukrainians and leaving ruins and numerous human tragedies in its wake. According to the founder of the battalion, Yana Zinkevich, Russian troops deliberately shelled Pavlohrad with heavy artillery on the morning of April 25. As a result of the attack, the "Hospitallers" base — a place where people, medics, volunteers, and displaced persons had united for decades — was completely destroyed. "The Russians shelled our city center this morning. Children and peaceful residents were killed by their fire, entire residential neighborhoods were destroyed. Our base, which served as a refuge for many paramedics, military personnel, and displaced persons, was completely obliterated — all property, equipment, documents... They struck right at the heart of our work again. This is over 10 years of persistent effort by thousands of caring people, destroyed in just a few minutes," Zinkevich stated. She emphasizes that this base was a critical point of aid for those saving lives at the front and in the rear: it was a shelter not only for soldiers and paramedics but also for displaced persons and even pets, who are often also vulnerable amid war. "It was a place filled with love and unity. Now it’s only ash, ruins, broken windows and glass that scream of unbearable pain. It preserved the memory of our fallen Hospitallers — their priceless stories, artifacts of their heroic lives and deeds. Now they are gone along with this place," she added. In light of this tragedy, Yana Zinkevich announced a fundraising campaign to restore the base, setting a target of 20 million hryvnias. She stresses that the need for a new aid center is urgent, and every hryvnia contributed will help restore life and safety for Ukrainian volunteers, medics, and civilians. Overall, this attack has dealt a severe blow to Ukraine’s entire volunteer and medical assistance system during wartime. The "Hospitallers" base in Pavlohrad was a symbol of resilience and perseverance — a place where, since the first days of Russia’s invasion, countless efforts have gone into helping the wounded, evacuating victims, and supporting those in need. This tragedy was preceded by a nighttime missile and drone attack by Russian occupiers in the region, during which drones targeted several settlements in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, including Pavlohrad. As a result, people were injured and buildings burned down — three individuals lost their lives, and 14 others were wounded. But the greatest suffering was caused by the destruction of the "Hospitallers" base itself, which was one of the main support points for Ukrainian medical volunteers and aid workers in the region. This reminds us once again of the price that Ukrainians are paying in this war — their resilience and determination not to give up even in the most difficult circumstances. Every destroyed home, every memory mourned deeply, and every burned dream serve as a reminder of the cost of war that ordinary Ukrainians bear for their freedom and independence. --- **Additional information:** The "Hospitallers" is a Ukrainian volunteer medical battalion that has been actively assisting Ukrainian military forces in Donbas since 2014. They provide first aid, evacuate the wounded from the front lines, and support Ukrainian defenders — risking their lives. Sometimes, these volunteers become a vital support for displaced persons who have lost everything due to the war, as well as providing aid to animals left homeless. Thus, the attack on the "Hospitallers" base is yet another brutal illustration that war never leaves unatoned casualties. It is a heavy blow to the Ukrainian community and the core human values that unite everyone in the fight for victory and independence.