Ukrainian man and kitten rescued from freezing mountain ravine

In the northern Maramures region of Romania, a Ukrainian man named Vladislav Duda, 28, was rescued from a deep mountain ravine under extremely harsh weather conditions. He had embarked on a treacherous journey to flee the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has significantly intensified since Russia's invasion began in February 2022. As temperatures plunged into subzero levels, Duda was found in critical condition, severely hypothermic and soaked, having spent precious hours in a 400-meter deep ravine. Miraculously, he was accompanied by his months-old kitten named Peach, which played a vital role in keeping him warm during his ordeal. More than a dozen rescuers braved a fierce blizzard to locate Duda, and after over five hours of complicated ascent, they brought him back to safety, where Duda expressed overwhelming gratitude for the rescue and for the life of his beloved pet. The rescue service director, Dan Benga, noted that the bond between Duda and his kitten was paramount; Duda's main concern was for Peach's wellbeing, reflecting the deep affection and commitment he had for his companion amidst the life-threatening situation. The rescue team had initially attempted an aerial extraction using a helicopter, but this was aborted due to severe visibility issues caused by the blizzard. This rescue is significant as Duda is among many Ukrainian men risking their lives to evade military conscription amid the fear of being drafted into a conflict that has already taken a heavy toll on their homeland. In fact, since the invasion began, more than 160 Ukrainian men have been rescued from the treacherous mountainous areas of Romania, with numbers continuing to increase each year, highlighting the growing desperation of those seeking to escape the violence of war. The Ukrainian government has responded to the situation by broadening the pool of men eligible for military service, including lowering the draft age to 25 and even considering the conscription of individuals as young as 18. This has led to widespread fear of being taken from family and friends, driving individuals to undertake perilous journeys through rugged and unforgiving terrain. Duda recounted the harrowing experience, recalling the pervasive fear of not surviving the night and the critical role his kitten played in keeping him alive, a sentiment that underscores the emotional and psychological toll of their harrowing journey. Peach was later treated at a veterinary clinic and is expected to recover fully, demonstrating the resilience and bond formed between humans and animals even in the direst circumstances.