Ukraine’s ‘volunteer army’ helps rebuild what Russia destroys

Following a Russian missile attack on Kyiv on June 15 that damaged numerous residential buildings, a Ukrainian volunteer organization mobilized to address immediate housing needs. The attack, which involved 70 missiles and killed five civilians, left widespread destruction including shattered windows across eastern neighborhoods. Residents faced urgent concerns about security and weather protection for their homes.

Dobrobat, known as the Battalion of Kindness, dispatched over 100 volunteers to affected areas within hours of the attack. The volunteers arrived with materials and equipment to board up damaged windows with temporary coverings, allowing residents to secure their homes while awaiting government subsidies for permanent repairs. According to the organization's spokesman, the group maintains a commitment to fulfilling all assistance requests regardless of scope or complexity.

The volunteer force comprises primarily Ukrainian citizens from various regions who mobilize after attacks, supplemented by international participants from approximately three dozen countries. These foreign volunteers commit to extended stays in Ukraine to support reconstruction efforts. The organization implements safety protocols, ensuring that volunteer teams only enter areas that have been cleared of unexploded ordnance and other hazards before beginning restoration work.