Episode 48. Illegal Land Swaps.

February 11, 2026 by Roland Clarke

Episode 48 of Freedom Flights is set in August 2025. Some events foreshadowed in this episode will take a few months to play out, while others may be resolved in the next episode. Some like the Alaska meeting between Trump & Putin are still making headlines. I have also continued to try writing each scene in 3rd-person limited POV.

I’m trying to foreshadow future incidents without making my characters react as if they know what will happen later in 2025… although they might fear what could happen. Also, I want each episode to focus on just a few RL incidents from a specific month, along with character and squadron development.

Therefore, until a just and lasting peace for Ukraine is achieved and rebuilding begins, I will continue writing more episodes. Perhaps after that, I can finish writing the pre-2022 growth of the Chayka Family and Chayka Air, their aviation business based in Canada.

We must never forget the brave people fighting for freedom, with too many losing their lives. Let’s pray Western aid and weapons continue to reach Ukraine, despite unexpected interruptions. Assistance must arrive on time to change their fortunes and prepare for the genuine peace that must come soon.

Links to the previous episodes can be found on my Freedom Flights page via the left-hand sidebar.

Episode 48. Illegal Land Swaps.

2025

Kramatorsk resident Tatiana grieves the loss of her 22-year-old son, a serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, at the Alley of Heroes military cemetery in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on Aug. 10, 2025. (Pierre Crom/Getty Images)

Sunday, August 3^rd – Zvenigora Restaurant, Dęblin, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Glancing around, Adelita Palomo realised she was arriving early with Joëlle Vanaga, her co-pilot, at the Zvenigora for the special gathering.

Agnieszka Shevchuk greeted them and led them to the long table at the back.

“Good to see you, Adelita. Must have been at least 6 months since you flew to Ukraine. Hope my niece is keeping up the family tradition.”

“Mariyka and Sergei look after the Witches at Chayka Field in true Zvenigora style. It’s good, though, to be back here… and see new faces.”

“It’s amazing how quickly the University’s new cadets make this home. However, your squadron is the other regular client… especially tonight. As the first to arrive, you can choose your seats. Just leave the head.

As they sat, two more guests joined them…. the journalists, Jane Wetherby and Carita Forsström.

“We thought we’d be the last,” said Jane, choosing two chairs opposite, as Carita added, “The train from Warsaw was held up by some terrorist scare.”

“Were you both covering Friday’s UN meeting in New York?” asked Joëlle.

“That’s where we met up,” replied Jane. “Then together we flew into Warsaw Chopin Airport overnight.”

The other participants began to arrive. With so many cadets and recruits in the restaurant, the arrival of Commandant Raphaëlle Balode and other officers prompted many of the younger and newer students to leap to attention and salute.

“We appreciate the display of respect,” said Raphaëlle. “But we’re all off duty this evening, so sit back down and enjoy your meal.”

Once the Witches were seated and had ordered food, Raphaëlle glanced around the group, then invited Jane to report on the U.N. meeting.

“As we all expected, Ukraine called for an unconditional ceasefire to save the lives of civilians and the nation’s sovereignty. However, although most of the Council members deplored the growing violence, and the US, plus our European allies, pushed for a binding resolution that both sides end the conflict and a ceasefire be decreed by August 8^th—”

“The undisputed aggressor’s delegates blocked the attempt,” added Carita. “They shifted the blame onto Ukraine, claiming Russia was fighting a war of national defence against us.”

“Demonstrating the flaw in trying to resolve a war when a permanent member is directly involved,” said Lidka Andrysiak. “And my own country… If I’m still a US citizen… is also a permanent member, but stands alongside Ukraine, for now.”

“When the same afternoon, Trump says he ordered ‘nuclear subs to be positioned in the appropriate regions’, after he’s provoked,” added her partner, Natalie Kuzmenko. “That’s provocation, not diplomacy. I wonder if he wants peace or a business deal?”

Mutterings of ‘dollars’, ‘resources’ and ‘art of the deal’ echoed around the table.

Raphaëlle agreed but needed to change emphasis.

“We can’t influence negotiations, although as a unique squadron of various nationalities, we can persuade others in our countries to support our fight.”

“As Conchita’s husband does,” said Adelita. “Although, as a journalist, he has the means. But we have a story to share, too.”

“And as fellow reporters, Jane and I can make suggestions,” said Carita.

Raphaëlle realised where this could lead.

“What we’re creating here is worth talking about… with care. Your effort goes to provide the means to stay ahead of Russia. Innovations that will need foreign investors to develop for use beyond this war.”

“Like the investor I talked with at the ‘Land of Engineers’ meeting in Uzhhorod yesterday,” said Cateline Ivanova. “He was interested in the Tryzub 90 trials and further developments.”

Sunday, August 10^th – Revetments, Dęblin Military Air Base, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland

Chief maintainer Adjudant Léana Melnik and her diverse team of Québécois, French, Polish and Ukrainian mechanics were servicing the jets that had returned from their morning exercise.

Despite their different languages, they had found a way to communicate in pidgin Ukrainian, using words from their own languages and gestures. Except where a single language could be spoken, this had become the norm within the squadron.

Léana noticed that Dasha Isakova was understanding as they worked on the liberated Sukhoi Su-30SM.

“Are we bastardising Ukrainian or inventing a new language?” asked Léana. “At least my Quebec French evolved alongside your French.”

“Somewhat like the Ukrainian spoken by some of your Canadian colleagues,” replied Dasha, noticing the arrival of the Echeverría twins. “I expect our Colombian sisters speak a variation of Spanish… if we ask them.”

When Tamya and Killa were in earshot, Léana asked them.

“Is Colombian Spanish easily understood by Spaniards?”

The twins chuckled.

“Depends on which dialect,’ replied Tamya. “Some say Colombia has eleven.”

“So, not all of us speak the same way,” added Killa. “We speak the Paisa dialect, which is spoken in the Colombian coffee production areas.”

A Colombian coffee plantation in Quimbaya, Quindío. View from the road to La Union (Quimbaya), looking south towards Montenegro. Photo taken on 2005/08/27 by Shaun McRae.

“Some say it’s an archaic form of Castilian Spanish, so more Spaniards can comprehend us,” said Tamya. “The six in the squadron all understand our dialect well.”

Léana gestured to the other mechanics, indicating a mug and saying, “café”. Ready for a break, the group headed off to the canteen, joined by Tamya’s friend Illya Borysov and Killa’s partner, Alojzy Ryba, with his daughter Dżesika.

When Léana heard the twins talking Spanish to their three Polish friends, she turned to Dasha.

“I’m impressed that those Poles understand and speak Spanish. Have any of our hosts tried to force their language on us?”

“Not in our squadron, but I have heard of some international brigades having problems,” replied Dasha. “Not all of them. But some Ukrainians treat them with disdain, accusing them of fighting for the money. Calling them mercenaries, not fighters for freedom.”

“I’ve even heard a few called intruders,” said Léana. “Yet they’re here fighting for Ukraine, and the people are grateful if the intentions are genuine.”

Dasha asked the group a question.

“Have any of you been discriminated against for fighting on behalf of Ukraine?”

Everyone shook their heads.

“Only by the Russians,” said Adelita, coming into the canteen for Dasha’s question. “I presume you don’t mean Russians who are working with us.”

She earned laughter and a round of applause.

“Raphaëlle Balode asked me to gauge your reaction to Trump’s suggestion that a potential peace deal could involve ‘some swapping of territories’. Do you agree Zelenskyy was right to reject Trump’s territory-swap peace deal with Russia?”

The vocal response was clearly in favour of Zelenskyy’s response.

“Ukraine will never give up its land,” said a Ukrainian maintainer. “Not when so many people have sacrificed their lives for it. And the Donbas has some of our most valuable fortress cities.”

“As one of Ukraine’s neighbours, I believe we all must do everything we can to help those fighting for freedom,” said Alojzy Ryba. Especially those with the power to act like President Trump. He could make Putin pay severe financial penalties for his illegal war, with secondary sanctions and by seizing Russia’s $5 billion assets at the Federal Reserve and send that to Ukraine. That wouldn’t even cost U.S. taxpayers anything.”

“Yet while foreign fighters join the struggle for no gain other than integrity,” said Killa. “Trump’s treating this as a business opportunity.”

“If he really cared about the dead, injured, and dying,” added Tamya. “He could do more. How much longer will he waver, letting Putin devastate Ukraine?”

Léana feared the Colombian pilots were correct.

“That’s probably why Zelensky has dismissed the scheduled Trump-Putin summit on August 15^th in Alaska,” she concluded. “He rightly believes the talks must include Kyiv. Otherwise, any decisions will never work.”

Thursday, August 21^st – Mukachevo, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

Law enforcement personnel watch as smoke rises over the Flextronics factory hit by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia region, Ukraine August 21, 2025.(photo credit: Zakarpattia Regional Prosecutor’s Office, REUTERS)

Sergeant Corynn Amsel and the SARM 2 team watched the dark smoke clear from the Flextronics factory as the firefighters finished extinguishing the flames from the Russian missile attack.

“Let’s finish the search for survivors,” said Corynn, as a fire officer waved them forward. “I’m hoping the fire crews got everyone out who was threatened by the blaze.”

“Not easy given this factory’s size,” added Daniela Stasiuk, as her Dutch Shepherd, Rihi, began to search. “This US firm supposedly employs thousands.”

“Luckily, SARM 1 are starting further around the building,” said Aitana Salcedo, SARM 2’s medic. “And if there are serious injuries, Golf Griffin stayed to medevac them out.”

Corynn’s GSP, Rikke, and Daniella’s Rihi scoured the wrecked storage facility for access points. The ground was scattered with debris, but fortunately, every K9 now had protective boots. They soon found a safe entrance, so the team began their steady interior sweep.

A few hours later, the two teams had loaded three injured survivors onto the Griffon for medevac to the nearest hospital. Corynn and SARM 1’s leader, Aldona Jagoda, reported to the senior State Emergency Service officer and to Zakarpattia Oblast’s governor, Myroslav Biletskyi.

“Our medics were able to assist the SES medics with some of the injured. We’re flying the three most serious out for treatment.”

“I’m relieved that remarkably there were only fifteen injured,” said the SES officer, shaking his head. “And nobody from such a large workforce was killed. I suspect the Russians knew this was an American-owned manufacturer.”

“Which they’ll claim was a justified military target,” added Aldona.

“Except the plant was producing consumer electronics,” said the governor.

Thursday, August 28^th – Squadron Command Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Just after midnight, Majors Kalyna & Vasy Chayka had scrambled sixteen fighter jets to join the squadrons tackling the drones targeting the far-western regions of Ukraine, including Ternopil, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblasts.

“It’s going to be a long night,” said Vasy. “The Russians are sending wave after wave mixed with decoys.”

Captains Nadia Lysenko and Conchita Garcia had divided the helicopter battalion to assist the jets and respond to SAR emergencies, primarily in Kyiv.

“Our three Tigers are already assisting the three MiG-29 flights,” said Nadia. “Let’s hope our mobile maintainer teams can keep everything refuelled and rearmed.”

“Is the laser-armed KAI LAH-1 Miron helping?” asked Kalyna. “Presumably, you dispatched the Griffon and the Black Hawk to Kyiv.”

“The Miron is assisting Red Flight’s two F-16s in this sector,” replied Conchita. “We also asked Dęblin to send Sierra, their NH90, to Kyiv-”

“-Where this massive attack is centred,” said Kalyna. “Green Flight has already reported that their four Mirages are encountering drones and missiles. It’s the civilian being ruthlessly targeted, as usual.”

Darnytskyi Oblast, Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukrainian authorities said some 500 rescuers and 1,000 police officers were responding in multiple locations after the attacks. Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

Havryil Tkachenko had never seen such devastation so close to home. Kyiv was being turned into rubble night by night. Tonight, there were hundreds of rescuers attempting to find survivors beneath the remains of a five-storey residential building. A direct hit had brought down all five levels of flats.

At least Havryil and his Springer Spaniel, Zorro, were part of a professional team within the massive rescue operation. SARM 4 and their Night Owl colleagues were methodical in their approach, backed up by a skilful support crew.

Zorro edged through a narrow gap in the rubble, which Isla Clacher’s German Shepherd, Kenina, had indicated, but was too large to investigate. When Zorro stopped and barked, Havryil waved over the rescuers to remove the debris.

“My K9 is behaving as if we have another survivor.”

However, a crane was needed to remove the heavy beam underneath the surface wreckage. Underneath was a cavity in which a woman crouched, clutching a young girl.

“My son is somewhere… close by.” Through her tears, she added, “Please find him. He’s just celebrated his fifth birthday.”

She refused to leave but allowed SARM 4’s medic, Alicja Dubicka, and another paramedic to treat her and her daughter’s injuries as she waited, praying.

Havryil feared the worst by Zorro’s inactive demeanour.

Eventually, the lifeless body of the distraught woman’s son was carried out of the wreckage. Her sorrow turned to anger.

“I curse the cowardly Russians who bomb our cities.” Her tears fell on her son’s face. Then, she held her daughter tighter, choking out, “We will never surrender.”

“Too many children have given their lives,” said Havryil, putting a comforting arm around the woman’s trembling body. “Trump and his so-called negotiators tell us to give away land for peace. Never.”

Zorro placed his muzzle against the girl.

A rescuer holds a stuffed toy at the site of an apartment building which was hit by Russian missile and drone strikes, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, August 28, 2025. Thomas Peter/Reuters

Hours passed, and more missiles fell before daylight exposed the extent of the destruction to Kyiv.

Havryil was relieved that more survivors had been freed from the rubble, although many were injured and some were hospitalised. Chief Paramedic Osinniy ensured those assessed as critical by the Night Owls medics were medevaced out by helicopter.

Havryil heard that the city’s authorities reported at least 25 people were killed in the attack on the capital, including four children. The other three were aged 2, 14, and 17. More wasted lives for Putin’s greed.

Although the K9S, including Zorro, were exhausted, along with their handlers, the two vets hadn’t treated any serious injuries. Taisiya Martynyuk and Danylo Karpenko declared them all fit to fly back to base after a demanding SAR operation.

As he led Zorro to the waiting Black Hawk, Havryil recalled some words from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, posted around midnight on X.

“…People may still be trapped under the rubble. Dozens are wounded. These Russian missiles and attack drones today are a clear response to everyone in the world who, for weeks and months, has been calling for a ceasefire and for real diplomacy. Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table. It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war. And this means that Russia still does not fear the consequences. Russia still takes advantage of the fact that at least part of the world turns a blind eye to murdered children and seeks excuses for Putin…”

***

MPA – 2,275 words

Slava Ukraini

Heroiam slava!

HEADLINES

As Russian Federation Continues Brutal Attacks against Ukraine, Senior Official, Briefing Security Council, Urges Dialogue, Immediate Ceasefire. https://press.un.org/en/2025/sc16134.doc.htm

Why Colombian volunteers are joining war in Ukraine (January 28, 2026 7:11 pm): https://kyivindependent.com/why-colombian-volunteers-are-joining-war-in-ukraine/

Languages of Colombia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Colombia

Russian strikes kill one, wound 18 people in largest aerial attack of August. https://www.jpost.com/international/article-864880

‘Moscow’s true answer to peace efforts’ — Russian mass attack on Kyiv kills 19, including children (Updated: August 29, 2025 8:07 pm): https://kyivindependent.com/russia-drones-target-kyiv-ukrainian-cities-in-large-scale-attack/?mc_cid=dba4c96291&mc_eid=a6eae6af19

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s post on X, August 27, 2025: https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1960934028321685907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1960934028321685907%7Ctwgr%5Edb2b6391c8dc2828f20ad5224ecc69518a16e21f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkyivindependent.com%2Frussia-drones-target-kyiv-ukrainian-cities-in-large-scale-attack%2F

Episode 47. Rapid Aggravation. Part 2. Escalation Of Terror.

January 15, 2026 by Roland Clarke

Episode 47 of Freedom Flights is set in July 2025 and this is the last part. Some events foreshadowed in this episode will take a few months to play out, while others may be resolved in the next episode. I have also continued to try writing each scene in 3rd-person limited POV.

Therefore, until a just and lasting peace for Ukraine is reached and rebuilding begins, I will continue to write more episodes. Perhaps after that, I can finish writing the pre-2022 growth of the Chayka Family and Chayka Air, their aviation business based in Canada.

Links to the previous episodes can be found on my Freedom Flights page via the left-hand sidebar.

Episode 47. Rapid Aggravation. Part 2. Escalation Of Terror.

2025

Friday, July 11^th – Squadron Command Centre, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Hero of Ukraine – Order of the Gold Star. Source https://www.president.gov.ua/photos/thumbs/uchast-prezidenta-u-vruchenni-derzhavnih-nagorod-vijskovoslu-4609

Reactions to the massive attack on Lutsk were still rippling around the base after two days. Therefore, Kalyna & Vasy Chayka had scheduled a meeting with the base’s section leaders to discuss key matters unresolved after that night’s events.

“Before we talk about anything else, we wish to reiterate the entire squadron’s condolences to Capitaine Marielle Simonova Oliynyk over the tragic loss of her husband, Captain Andriy Oliynyk,” said Kalyna. “Vasy and I feel his name should be recorded alongside our departed sisters, as our base was among the enemy’s targets on that night.”

“As you all know, he has been posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the award of the Order of the Golden Star,” added Vasy. “The President and Air Force Commander also awarded Andrij the next military rank of major. They passed their condolences to his widow, Capitaine Simonova, who we informed them was a foreign Mirage pilot serving Ukraine.”

The Chayka majors embraced Marielle, who was momentarily in tears. Then she thanked everyone.

She added, “I’ve been devastated after Andriy died defending this base and Volyn Oblast. His final words to me were, ‘I needed to be with you once more, Amante. Live for our daughter, Zoya, and for me,’ and I felt them deeply. But those words and his memory gave me the strength to push through my inner turmoil. We need to keep fighting for Ukraine and remember all those who gave their lives for freedom. I still have my duties to this squadron and to Zoya.”

“For anyone who doesn’t realise, Zoya means ‘life’ in Ukrainian,” said Vasy. “The original Vasy Chayka, my grandmother christened two precious kids, Zoya.”

Kalyna laughed.

“Goat kids, but definitely precious. Let’s move on. Due to our actions and those of others, fewer properties were destroyed, and the casualties were reduced beyond what was expected from such a massive attack.”

Vasy added, “Some of you will have heard President Zelenskyy’s saying, ‘Our interceptor drones were used — dozens of enemy targets were downed, and we are scaling up this technology.’ Here at Chayka Field, we’re noting that enough data has been collected for our drone engineers to improve our interceptors. Mariyka, do you want to add anything?”

“We’re always making improvements,” said Mariyka Shevchuk. “We must attempt to outthink the Russians. They are continually devising ways to bypass our defences. But we have innovative ideas too, from inventors in Ukraine and allied nations. The key is ensuring the enemy needs to deal with our strikes.”

Everyone acknowledged that truth.

“Oil strikes are one area,” said Nadia Lysenko. “The attacks on Russian oil facilities must be a blow. However, as Zelenskyy said, more sanctions are needed as countries buying their oil are fueling Moscow’s war machine. What is the US administration doing?”

Tamila Medved explained a lot of the muttering.

Patriot system on duty in Ukraine / Illustrative photo credit: Ukrainian Air Force

“Before the assault came, there was a temporary pause on shipments of some weapons, including missiles for our Patriot batteries. Although Trump reversed that in one of his anti-Putin moods, it couldn’t have stalled the Russians. Since the attacks, Trump has grown impatient with the lack of progress, so he’s promised to send ten Patriot interceptors to Ukraine because Putin is killing too many people.”

She paused before asking, “Will Putin suck up to Trump to make him flip stances again? How many more like my brother and Andriy must die?”

Nobody could answer that.

A moment later, the Chayka cousins gave some good news.

“Our underground facilities proved themselves, especially the rear exits,” said Kalyna.

“And our first school survived,” added Vasy. “Building it seven metres underground, making it safe during an air raid, impressed pupils and teachers so much that it has led other families to enrol their kids.”

“After our rescue efforts in Lutsk,” said Corynn Amsel. “We have three more handlers wishing to train as SARM volunteers.”

Monday, July 21^st – K9 Training Area, Chayka Field, Volyn Oblast, Ukraine

Corynn Amsel and her colleagues were impressed with each of the prospective K9 handlers and their canine talent.

“We could use all three,” said Ailish Delaney. “The advantage of smaller and slimmer dogs in tight situations has become apparent a few times.”

“Our larger dogs struggle crawling through narrow entrances,” added Isla Clacher. “And when they succeed, they can injure themselves… often grazes but still needing treatment.”

Once they all agreed on the need for such K9s, Corynn asked the three handlers to call their dogs back from their set tests.

“We all believe you would be invaluable additions to our SARM teams. So, for now, you will be assigned as follows: Yuliya Kostyuk with her Beagle, Freckles, to SARM 1, Havryil Tkachenko with his Springer Spaniel, Zorro, to SARM 4, and Danyila Zinchenko with her Airedale Terrier, Tonka, to SARM 5. Please, can the existing teams welcome their newest recruit, then each SARM should run through the training routines in turn.”

Airedale Terrier 14 months old, undocked and trimmed normative. 22 July 2011. Author: Zuni1520

As the teams completed all the training runs, veterinarian Taisiya Martynyuk, assisted by vet-tech Danylo Karpenko, checked all the dogs for injuries.

When they had examined them all, Taisiya turned to Danylo.

“We could face an interesting challenge as some of these dogs are neutered or spayed, which in some cases aids their performance and health, preserves their natural instincts and behaviour, which are essential for certain work. However, any of the bitches need to be separated from the others just before they come into heat.”

“Meaning they need to be monitored by the handlers and us,” replied Danylo. “Have any of the handlers discussed breeding?”

“Only the Douglass sisters with their two Dobermans. But with two Beagles, we need to talk to Ailish about whether she’s ever considered Rosheen as perfect for breeding.”

“If she has, then we must ask Yuliya what she knows about Freckles’ bloodline.”

Thursday, July 31^st – Sviatoshynskyi District, Kyiv, Ukraine

The aftermath of Russia’s latest drone and missile attack on Kyiv overnight on July 31. (Interior Ministry / Kyiv City Military Administration / Telegram)

While firefighters ensured buildings were safe for search teams to enter, Night Owl medic Alicja Dubicka heeded Chief Paramedic Osinniy’s conclusion from the briefing.

“Remember, if your K9 colleagues find anyone who needs hospital treatment, we can call in Golf or Hotel medevac, depending on casualty numbers.”

Alicja followed her SARM 4 teammates into the first apartment, noting how Kenina, the German Shepherd, and Zorro, the Springer Spaniel, worked together to search every room. Their handlers, Isla Clacher and Havryil Tkachenko, had quickly created an effective team, which allowed Alicja to focus on her role.

“There’s someone in here,” said Havryil, as Zorro indicated a closet.

Inside was a woman, trapped behind a jammed door. Fortunately, the fire had bypassed the closet, so Alicja’s task was more reassurance than wound treatment.

However, over the next few hours, SARM 4 found more severe casualties, requiring Alicja to apply more of her medical training. When the team helped pull an elderly man from a collapsed house, she knew more was needed as she treated his surface injuries. She finished her patient notes while Isla informed Osinniy.

The paramedic arrived carrying a stretcher with Iryna Forsberg from the Golf Griffon medevac.

“We’ve landed in the closest space,” said Iryna. “Is the patient ready to load? Osinniy has a second pickup.”

“Ready for the stretcher. He needs to be treated soon, but not urgently,” said Alicja, handing Osinniy her notes. “Where’s the second patient?”

“A few streets over. SARM 2 has a couple, both needing treatment at a hospital. The district was hit hard with the usual double taps. Ten dead confirmed, and the rescue operation is ongoing for us all.”

Solomianskyi District, Kyiv, Ukraine

The consequences of Russian overnight attack in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 31, 2025. (Anna Donets / The Kyiv Independent)

With so much broken glass from all the shattered apartment windows, Danylo Karpenko was already treating injured paws, since not every K9 handler could afford the protective boots. The Owls had ordered three pairs from their support network, but until they arrived, paw wax and care were needed.

Danylo wasn’t surprised when Yuliya Kostyuk and Freckles returned after SARM 1 finished searching another apartment block. But her Beagle seemed unharmed, or rather not limping.

“The wax and being attentive work well for his paws,” said Yuliya. “But narrow spaces are still hazardous. Freckles squeezed through one and caught his harness on something. He wounded his shoulder, so I treated the wound, but Aldona suggested you should double-check.”

She handed him a rusty nail as he knelt to inspect Freckles.

“Nasty,” he said, examining the offending object. “But your wound care is perfect. We’ll monitor for infection back at base since the nail could be contaminated.”

“We must keep Freckles fit if he has breeding potential, as you say. Ailish would be disappointed if Rosheen had to mate with a stranger’s Beagle.”

Before Danylo could respond, a radio message came from the State Emergency Service Chief for Solomianskyi District.

State Emergency Service workers near a house damaged due to Russian overnight attack in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 31, 2025. (Anna Donets / The Kyiv Independent)

“All SAR teams to my coordinates. We have numerous people trapped under the rubble of all nine floors of an apartment building’s end section.”

Danylo followed Yuliya, catching up with the rest of SARM 1 at the horrendous scene. Aldona Jagoda was talking to the SES Chief.

“We can search with two K9s, but it will take time. If there are no more available units, we have more we can call on.”

“Do that, and then we can start,” replied the Chief. “All our units are covering multiple incidents across Kyiv.”

While Aldona contacted the other teams, Danylo called Taisiya.

“When you’re free, we could do with your and Tryzub’s aid. Are you with SARM 2?”

“With SARM 2, who is answering Aldona’s request for aid. Osinniy is back from the hospital, so flying over in Golf.”

First responders work at the site of Russian drone, missile attack in Kyiv in the early hours of July 31. (Interior Ministry / Telegram)

Osinniy and the four SARM medics worked into the night, as the K9 units found casualties. Most were trapped and injured, so they were treated, or in two cases, flown to the hospital.

However, when the body of a young child was found beneath the rubble, Osinniy felt the same despair she sensed when she was a medic at the front. It was also etched on everyone’s faces, and an elderly woman expressed it as she choked out ten grim words.

“It’s not a war — it’s a destruction of a nation.”

Osinniy went over and comforted the woman, guessing she had lost everything in the attack. After describing her escape from the collapsing building, the woman stared at the rubble.

“I don’t even know what I am waiting for,” she said, tears flowing from her blue eyes.

Then she explained that her daughter, along with two grandsons aged 21 and 17, were still under the rubble.

“We won’t give up on them,” said Osinniy, holding back her own tears. They would continue working in shifts, especially the nine dogs, who needed regular breaks to remain focused and effective.

Shortly after midnight, Corynn Amsel watched the strained faces as the Black Hawk took off from Kyiv, heading to base. Nine tired K9s, including her own Rikke, dozed after their lengthy search of numerous shattered homes.

Osinniy and the other medics were accompanying three more seriously injured patients to the hospital in the Griffon.

Corynn knew too many Kyiv residents had died overnight, thirty-one at the last count, and over 150 had been wounded. Tragically, more casualties were expected as the rescue operation continued.

“Were we wrong leaving those relatives waiting by the ruined buildings down there?” asked Danylo, sitting opposite her. “I guess we couldn’t help.”

“Not even though they wanted to find out the fate of their loved ones,” said Taisiya, beside him. “All our dogs were too exhausted to be useful.”

Corynn reflected on the four teams’ rapid response to the devastation and the human cost. She realised the time and repeated the official announcement.

“After these nightmare attacks, today has been declared a Day of Mourning in Kyiv. Flags will be flown at half-mast on all municipal buildings. All entertainment events are banned in the city all day.”

“We should honour this at Chayka Field,” added Taisiya. “I also heard our Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has requested that the U.N. Security Council immediately hold a meeting over Russia’s aggressive, large-scale attacks on Kyiv.”