From Corfe Mullen to Kyiv

It's days away from the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine -- which unleashed turmoil across the world. More importantly, it changed the lives of 40 of million Ukrainians forever.

This is a story of two friends. Elliot Svatos from Corfe Mullen in Dorset and Mykola Formin from Kyiv, Ukraine, who calls himself Nic.

Having first met in Chernobyl back in 2013 when Nic ran his tour guide business around the barren nuclear power plant site, the pair became great friends straight away.

Nine years later, their friendship fails to break from the strain of the Russian invasion. UkraineUKAid is a cross country collaboration that fundraises money in order to purchase vital equipment for the Ukrainian effort.

They shape their deliveries according to what is vital at the time in which they will be making the trip. One of the key parts of the delivery is cars. Most specifically the Nissan 4x4 X-Trail. These cars are hugely important for practical reasons. Also, there is a lack of suitable cars available for the emergency services such as the police and military.

Nissan X-Trail delivered by UkraineUKAid turned into Ukrainian police car - Credit: Elliot Svatos

Nissan X-Trail delivered by UkraineUKAid turned into Ukrainian police car - Credit: Elliot Svatos

On why 4x4 cars are now the focus of UkraineUKAid, Elliot said:

"Cars are very expensive over there and they need a lot of 4x4 vehicles.
We decided that's the direction we are going to go.

"We started raising money, we started buying cars and driving them over to Ukraine.
We make sure they are filled with food, supplies, whatever they need. And we donate it all."

Across the five trips Elliot has embarked on since the start of the invasion, a total of four 4x4 Nissan X-Trails have been delivered. That is amongst the various other supplies and important equipment they provide too. They aim to travel 2,000 miles to Kyiv every two months. Of course if fundraising goes well.

The Story of Nic

Mykola Fomin (Nic) - Credit: Elliot Svatos

Mykola Fomin (Nic) - Credit: Elliot Svatos

A self-made man, Nic was running a successful business as a tour guide around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant until the invasion took it all away.

When the invasion first came, Nic thought it best to reach out to the thousands of international visitors he had through his business. A reach to ask for help. The first person to respond was his dear friend Elliot.

Nic soon started to gain contacts across the war effort, as the Ukrainian people mobilised and united for the cause.

Based in Kyiv, Nic began to understand who and where needed help. With Russian units retreating during the cause of the war, Nic and Elliot got into their cars and wondered into the previously occupied villages.

As the number of trips continued, they then began to have a real logistical organisation. They were then able to target the villages that really needed the help through the contacts Nic gathered.

Whilst Nic is doing the upmost to support his fellow population, his own sacrifices are forever in the back of his mind.
Thankfully, Nic was able to have his wife and children evacuated out of the country. He has not seen them in 11 months, and there is no idea when he will.

Nic speaking in front of a village they have travelled to and helped - Credit: Elliot Svatos

The work that UkraineUKAid do helps the lives of countless Ukrainians.

With a country as big as Ukraine, the biggest one solely in Europe, many of these villages are in the middle of nowhere.

The people within these communities have had to endure Russian occupation, being completely isolated from help or available resources.

Nic spoke exclusively to BUzz from Ukraine about the good that this unique partnership do.

"I think this collaboration with Elliot really helps to stay positive because we actually do a lot of good.
"We help people in need with food packages. The Russians left the area and we were there next week with food packages and necessary items.
"We helped the village to turn around to when they no longer needed our help."

UkraineUKAid passing food packages in a village - Credit: Elliot Svatos

The next trip from Corfe Mullen to Kyiv is due to take place in March.

As the war continues in the eastern regions of the country, UkraineUKAid is constantly moving to those who are recently freed from Russian occupation.
Fundraising has gone well thus far for the upcoming trip, with the team transporting two 4x4 Nissan X-Trails.

Elliot Svatos in front of the two 4x4 Nissan X-Trails he will drive to Kyiv - Credit: Elliot Svatos

You can find Elliot and UkraineUKAid on Facebook, to know all the ways you can contribute to the work and effort they do to support the war effort in Ukraine.

Check out this video put together of our day speaking to Elliot and Nic:

Video produced and edited by Matt Turnill. Voiced over and featuring Oliver Ferris Credit - BUzz Bournemouth