Ukrainian Man Rescued from Mountain Ravine with Kitten Amid Draft Fears

Vladislav Duda, a 28-year-old Ukrainian man, was rescued from a 400-meter deep ravine in the Carpathian Mountains of northern Romania after enduring severe hypothermia and subzero temperatures. Duda had fled Ukraine to avoid being drafted into the ongoing conflict with Russia. His rescue, which took place last week, involved over a dozen rescuers who braved blizzard conditions to locate him and his kitten, Peach. The rescue team found Duda “soaked and frozen,” with Peach snuggled inside his jacket, providing warmth during their ordeal.

Associated Press

Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many Ukrainian men have attempted to escape the draft by crossing into Romania. Duda's case is part of a larger trend, with more than 160 Ukrainian men rescued from Romania's Maramures region in recent years, a number that has doubled annually. The Ukrainian government has recently lowered the draft-eligible age from 27 to 25, and there are calls for even younger conscription, which has intensified fears among draft-aged men.

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During the rescue, Duda expressed his gratitude for Peach's survival, stating, “I’m happy because my cat is alive. I got a chance from God for a new life.” After being retrieved, he received medical treatment for his hypothermia and is currently recovering. Izabella Kiskasza, who runs a community center for Ukrainian refugees in Maramures, is assisting Duda and Peach, who is expected to fully recover after receiving veterinary care.

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Critics of Ukraine's draft policy argue that it has led to a significant number of men risking their lives to escape conscription. The fear of being sent back to fight in a war they do not support has driven many to take dangerous routes through the mountains. Duda reflected on his experience, saying, “What I remember is the fear of the unknown and the fear of not making it through the night alive.”

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Dan Benga, director of the Maramures mountain rescue service, highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that many individuals who call for help are often in critical condition. He stated, “The people who are calling for help are in the last few hours of their life.” This underscores the dire circumstances faced by those attempting to evade military service.

Associated Press

• “The cat was warm and was warming him … so he saved his life,” — Dan Benga, Director of Maramures Mountain Rescue Service

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• “Peach kept my heart warm and he kept my faith alive.” — Vladislav Duda, Ukrainian Refugee

Associated Press

• “What I remember is the fear of the unknown and the fear of not making it through the night alive,” — Vladislav Duda, Ukrainian Refugee

Associated Press

Duda's story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the lengths individuals will go to in order to seek safety.

Associated Press