Middle Tennessee Organization Provides Aid Following Ukraine Dam Collapse

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Ukraine faces more devastation following a dam collapse last week. This comes after over a year of hardship for the country. However, an ocean away, Middle Tennessee based Mission Eurasia sustains efforts to deliver aid to the Ukrainian people.

Sergey Rakhuba heads the Christian organization, providing on-the-ground work at their 12 Ukraine locations.

“Tens of thousands of people were forced out of their homes by flooding waters, many killed,” Rakhuba said, “They're still finding dead bodies.”

At the time of collapse, the dam located in the city of Kakhovka was under Russian control. The cause is still unknown. Amidst the flooding that ensued the collapsed, Rakhuba said Russia has continued attacks.

“So, while they're trying to evacuate those who suffer from the flooding families, children, elderly, the Russian troops continue shooting from the opposite bank of the river,” Rakhuba said.

But In the face of danger, Mission Eurasia perseveres. Resources are sparce in Kakhovka and surrounding areas. Mission Eurasia’s goal is to help alleviate the burden of obtaining clean water and food for residents.

Rakhuba said, “As of today we are delivering you know, so just for helping with basic needs people need water system was killed shut down.”

A Ukrainian himself, Rakhuba remained confident the collapse will not defeat the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russia. The war continues to wage on. The United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Denmark currently supply air defense equipment to Ukrainian troops. Support for Russia in the war includes North Korea, Belarus, Syria, Mali, Nicaragua and Eritrea.

“Ukrainians will get more determined, they will get more zealous, if I can say, in order to defend their nation,” Rakhuba said. “They're fighting for their existence, they're fighting for their independence, they're fighting for their basic freedom.”