This month, We Animals contributors Andrew Skowron, Miloš Bičanski and Thomas Machowicz are on the ground in Poland and Ukraine to document the stories of humans and animals seeking refuge from the Russian invasion.
Photographers: Andrew Skowron, Miloš Bičanski, Thomas Machowicz
The impact of war on animal lives is something that has been observed throughout history – whether birds, dogs and horses forced to face and even fight in the frontline, or companion animals held tightly in the arms of people fleeing their homeland.
According to estimates from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than three million people have fled Ukraine since Russia’s brutal invasion on February 24th, with almost two million of those people arriving in Poland. Amid the mass exodus, companion animals – dogs, cats, rodents and birds – also innocent victims of this war, accompany those fleeing in search of safety.
As thousands of refugees continue to cross the Ukraine/Poland border each day, volunteers from Poland and across Europe have set up stations to provide food, warmth, medical care, information and even convoys to other countries where accommodation will be provided to refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of their country.
Our contributor Thomas Machowicz is currently documenting what he calls the “Animal Rescue Pipeline”, which runs from western Europe to eastern Ukraine. Donations and supplies come in through Poland to western Ukraine, then get distributed by local groups to individuals and shelters. Animals (mostly dogs and cats) rescued from conflict areas in eastern Ukraine are transported to Lviv, then Poland, then to rescue organizations in Europe.
“As I conducted interviews with volunteers at the animal rescue camp on the Poland/Ukraine border a common refrain I kept hearing was “I couldn’t just stay home and do nothing.” That resonates so strongly with me. As I continue this work I feel acute sadness for everyone, but especially the families saying goodbye to loved ones of all species. I feel strength from the Ukrainian people as I’m witnessing first hand their resilience in the face of an existential threat. I feel a hope that in time we will stop these cycles of violence and live in true peace.” — Thomas Machowicz, Animal Photojournalist
These photographs tell the stories of just some of the individuals displaced by the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the brave efforts of those working to find refugees and their companion animals temporary relief.
Surrounded by the devastation and turmoil of war is a demonstration of our fierce love for animals, and humanity’s profound capacity for compassion. Across borders and species, we’re all connected.
Photographers: Andrew Skowron, Miloš Bičanski, Thomas Machowicz
Data sources: UN Refugee Agency – UNHCR
Visit our Companion Animals gallery to explore and download these images. We’ll be adding more visuals in the coming weeks.