Ukrainian Man Rescued From Frozen Ravine with Kitten, Their Bond Saves Lives in Romania

A Ukrainian man, Vladislav Duda, 28, recently found himself in a perilous situation while trying to escape the war-torn areas of Ukraine. He was attempting to make his way to Romania with his beloved kitten, Peach, when they both fell into a deep mountain ravine in northern Romania's Maramures region during a harsh blizzard.

The Harrowing Experience

Duda and his kitten were discovered in a state of severe hypothermia, with Duda being described as "soaked and frozen." The Maramures mountain rescue service reported that the depths of the ravine were an astounding 400 meters (437 yards) deep. Rescuers had to navigate through the harsh blizzard conditions to reach and bring the pair to safety.

The harrowing experience didn't just take a toll on Duda's physical health; it also impacted his mental state. He recounted the fear of the unknown and the fear of not making it through the night alive. He expressed how his kitten, Peach, played a significant role in keeping his spirit alive during this ordeal.

The Role of Peach in the Survival

According to Dan Benga, director of the Maramures mountain rescue service, Peach the kitten was a crucial factor in keeping Duda warm and stable during their time in the ravine. "The cat was warm and was warming him … so he saved his life," Benga stated. "The only thing we saw he is caring about is the cat. He doesn't care about himself," he added.

When the rescue team found the pair, they discovered Peach snuggled inside Duda's jacket, providing warmth and companionship during the ordeal. Despite Duda's own dire condition, his primary concern was for the well-being of his feline companion. He 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. The happiest moment is because the cat is here with me."

The Path to Rescue

Initially, a helicopter rescue operation was launched; however, due to dangerous weather conditions that limited visibility, it had to be aborted. Ground rescuers then undertook an arduous mission through the deep snow and freezing temperatures, where conditions dropped as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).

The ascent out of the ravine took over five hours, during which Duda kept his kitten clutched to his chest the entire time. Benga recounted how Duda's only request was, "Please take care of the cat," emphasizing the deep bond between the man and his animal companion.

Well-Being of Duda and Peach

In terms of care, Duda is currently receiving anti-inflammatory medication and blood circulation treatment due to the risks of frostbite he faced during the ordeal. Meanwhile, Peach has been receiving necessary veterinary treatment and is expected to fully recover from the malnutrition effects they both experienced after running out of food four days prior to the rescue.

Duda had left his home in Ukraine's war-ravaged Kharkiv region over a week before reaching the northern Romanian Carpathian Mountain range with Peach. It is worth noting that Duda is among many Ukrainian men who have taken such perilous journeys through harsh mountain conditions to evade being drafted into their country's ongoing conflict with Russia.

The Larger Context

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Maramures region in Romania has been a point of refuge and escape for over 160 Ukrainian men. The numbers continue to increase each year, reflecting the desperate measures many have taken to avoid enlistment in the ongoing war. Sadly, this trend has also led to the loss of lives, with at least 16 men found dead in the region.

As the conflict continues to take a toll on Ukraine and its civilian population, many individuals have been trying to evade the draft by engaging in dangerous journeys. The Ukrainian government has even taken steps to broaden its pool of draft-eligible men, with the draft eligibility age for men lowered from 27 to 25 in April. The country has also faced pressure from international actors like the U.S. to broaden its conscription efforts, including potentially drafting individuals as young as 18.

Impact on Civilians and Pets

The impact of the conflict has not only been felt by the humans but also by the animal population. Since the start of the war, thousands of pet dogs and cats have been lost or abandoned, as reported by the animal welfare group Four Paws. Efforts have been made to rescue stranded pets, with a German organization establishing a shelter at the Ukraine-Poland border.