An American volunteer was injured by shrapnel from a Russian drone strike while assisting with evacuations in Ukraine’s war-torn Donetsk Oblast. Devon Masser, affiliated with the Pennsylvania-based humanitarian group Plain Compassion Crisis Response (PCCR), suffered facial injuries during the incident on March 13, 2024. Video footage captured the moment when a Russian fiber-optic drone targeted his vehicle, causing a sudden explosion that sent debris flying.
Masser was evacuating civilians from Lyman alongside two police officers and a reporter when the drone detonated near their van. As chaos erupted, the men quickly exited the vehicle, with Masser visibly in pain, holding his face as they sought safety through a devastated field. Emergency first aid was administered by the police officers while they navigated away from the burning vehicle.
In a brief statement following the attack, Masser emphasized his mission, saying, “I’m with Plain Compassion Crisis Response. We’re here to evacuate people.” The organization has operated in Ukraine since the onset of the conflict in 2022. Its team has been actively involved in evacuating civilians from conflict zones, along with providing essential food supplies and adoption services for children orphaned by the war.
Ongoing Threats in Donetsk Region
The Donetsk Oblast has been a focal point of intense Russian military actions, particularly drone strikes targeting civilian areas. According to reports from Radio Free Europe, the Kremlin’s drone campaign has escalated, with chilling footage emerging of drones pursuing civilians in rural areas. This has raised significant concerns about the safety of those remaining in the region.
Masser’s injury underscores the perilous conditions faced by humanitarian workers in Ukraine. The PCCR has been instrumental in aiding those affected by the war, often operating alongside local authorities, such as the Donetsk Police’s White Angels unit, which specializes in civilian evacuations.
The PCCR did not respond immediately to requests for further comment regarding Masser’s condition or the organization’s ongoing efforts in Ukraine. As the conflict continues, the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations grow, highlighting the dire need for assistance and the risks that volunteers accept while working in such dangerous environments.
The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with ongoing military operations reshaping the landscape and affecting countless lives. As volunteer organizations strive to provide aid, incidents like the one involving Masser serve as stark reminders of the dangers present in this ongoing conflict.
