The belongings of Volodymyr Nikulin, a Ukrainian police officer stationed near the eastern front line, consist of a shrapnel-riddled car, a small sack filled with clothing, and two plastic bags containing basic food and medicine. Mr. Nikulin has had to leave three cities to escape advancing Russian forces in the Donbas region, learning to live with minimal possessions and to be ready to evacuate on short notice.
Currently residing in a friend's apartment in Sloviansk, located 15 miles from the combat zone, he has left the bedroom untouched and sleeps in a small office. The sound of Russian bombing serves as a constant reminder that he may need to leave again. “Who knows where I’ll be in a few months?” he remarked, acknowledging the proximity of Russian forces.
Mr. Nikulin's experiences reflect the plight of millions of Ukrainians displaced by the war. He has witnessed the destruction of his homes and the loss of neighbors to the conflict. As a police officer, he has also assisted in evacuating besieged cities and helped journalists escape Mariupol to document the Russian onslaught.
Working near the front lines entails living with uncertainty amid frequent attacks. Mr. Nikulin often rushes to missile-struck sites to assist the wounded. He noted that police stations he previously worked at have been targeted, resulting in the deaths of colleagues.
With Russian troops advancing in the Donbas, Mr. Nikulin's cycle of evacuations may continue. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful about returning to his hometown of Donetsk, believing that the Ukrainian army will eventually turn the tide in the conflict.
Born in Donetsk in the 1970s, Mr. Nikulin aspired to a military career and joined the local police force after graduating from the Donetsk Military Academy in 1992. He recalls a time when Donetsk was plagued by gang violence but later transformed into a vibrant city with modern amenities.
In 2014, pro-Kremlin insurgents took control of Donetsk, prompting Mr. Nikulin to work covertly to secure critical data before he was forced to leave. He initially packed only summer clothes, expecting to return shortly, but the situation proved more prolonged than anticipated.
After relocating to Mariupol, Mr. Nikulin found a sense of normalcy until the full-scale invasion in February 2022. He and his colleagues worked to maintain order amid chaos, tackling looters and assisting residents during bombings. His efforts were documented in the film “20 Days in Mariupol,” which highlights his role in helping journalists escape the besieged city.
Following his time in Mariupol, Mr. Nikulin moved to Myrnohrad and continued evacuation efforts in frontline towns. He faces challenges in convincing residents to leave, as some are elderly or believe they will fare better under Russian control.
Despite the hardships, Mr. Nikulin remains optimistic about Ukraine's future. He believes the current phase of the war presents an opportunity to reclaim lost territory, a sentiment he holds onto even after witnessing numerous cities fall to Russian forces.
As Moscow's forces launched a new offensive toward Myrnohrad, Mr. Nikulin was forced to move again, leaving behind an apartment belonging to his wife’s family. He recorded a poignant video of his departure, expressing his reluctance to say goodbye.