The strategically important city of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine is currently surrounded by battles. Over the past six months, Luxembourg volunteer Philippe Jacob has been helping evacuate civilians from the region. In an interview with RTL, Jacob described the destruction: “There are villages we often drove through that have now been entirely destroyed. These were people’s homes. We are happy to rescue those we can from the battered remains of their villages.”
Jacob and his team face constant danger during their missions. “We even had two personal losses in the past months”, he said. Jacob briefly returned to Luxembourg for the holidays but noted that the war continued. “Over Christmas, many Ukrainian dinner tables had empty chairs”, he added.
As Ukraine approaches three years since Russia launched its invasion, both sides have suffered heavy losses, with over a million soldiers dead. Jacob has also been transporting injured soldiers to safety using a bus provided by Luxembourg. “With that bus, we primarily transport stable patients”, he explained. “The cases we handle are less severe, but in the military hospitals, the scenes are very different.”
As the conflict continues, many are questioning whether 2025 could bring an end to the war. Jacob noted that opinions are divided, particularly following Donald Trump’s re-election and anticipated shifts in US foreign policy after his inauguration on 20 January. “Some believe the war will continue as it has, while others hope for a peaceful resolution. But everyone agrees on one thing: if peace is imposed, it will not be sustainable”, he said.
Many Ukrainians, civilians, and soldiers alike are becoming wearier of war as the days go on.
Jacob has observed increased Russian military pressure since Trump’s victory. “Their goal has been to capture as much territory as possible”, he said. “As horrid as it sounds, the only way to fight against them is with weapons. If diplomatic measures fail, the army needs to confront them.”
Jacob’s ultimate hope is for the war to end and for Ukraine to rebuild. “I pray that the many people we have rescued can return to secure villages”, he said. “That Ukraine can reconstruct itself, and peace finally descends upon them. I think that’s what everyone wishes for.”
