The Reunion of Serhiy and Larysa Ryndov
After spending more than four years in occupied Oleshky in the Kherson region, 68-year-old Serhiy Ryndov was finally evacuated and reunited with his wife, Larysa, in Kyiv. Larysa, aged 72, had left for the UK in 2022, leaving Serhiy behind to care for their family home. Overcoming nearly 2,000 kilometers, she traveled to Kyiv to be by her husband's side near a hospital. Larysa now plans to bring Serhiy to the United Kingdom, where their three children and six grandchildren await his arrival.
Life under Occupation and the Evacuation
Serhiy’s evacuation took place on October 30, 2026, as part of a humanitarian mission during a ceasefire that began on October 27 in Kherson region. This pause in hostilities followed the clearance of minefields along evacuation routes, enabling safe passage. Throughout the occupation, Serhiy survived on limited food supplies amid harsh conditions in Oleshky. The city endured continual drone attacks, with no electricity or heating. By spring, food deliveries ceased entirely after two men who had been bringing provisions passed away.
Serhiy Ryndov recalled, "Around April this year, the two men who used to bring us food died. After that, all food supplies stopped completely. There was nothing left."
Residents were forced to travel 20 kilometers to Radenka for basic supplies. The local hospital was barely functioning, and deceased individuals remained in the morgue because forensic experts refused to come. People tragically lost their lives to landmines while gathering mushrooms, nuts, and other wild foods.
The humanitarian operation successfully evacuated over 60 animals, mostly cats and dogs. Many of these pets were in critical condition and are now receiving veterinary care. The ages of evacuees ranged widely, from just over one year old to 94 years old.
The moment Serhiy and Larysa reunited was deeply emotional. Larysa expressed her disbelief: "I can’t believe you’re here," to which Serhiy responded, "Honestly, I can’t believe it myself." She affectionately promised to nourish him with traditional dishes: "I’m going to fatten him up with borscht and dumplings."
The story of Serhiy and Larysa Ryndov shines as a testament to resilience and hope amidst the hardships of occupation. It highlights the critical role humanitarian missions play in safeguarding vulnerable populations and facilitating reunions. Such efforts, which include evacuating both people and animals, demonstrate the ongoing solidarity and determination to restore normal life in Ukraine despite ongoing threats.
The recent humanitarian evacuation efforts in Oleshky have not only provided a lifeline for individuals like Serhiy Ryndov but have also highlighted the broader impact of these missions on the community. As demonstrated by the successful evacuation of residents aged 1 to 94, these operations are crucial in ensuring safety and stability for those affected by conflict. For more insights into the scope and success of these evacuations, read about the recent evacuation mission that brought safety to many.