The attack on Ukraine is only a few hours old when Eugen Pushchyk gets behind the wheel of his car. He drives to the mall, buys as many diapers, hygiene products and food until his car is filled to the top – and then drives towards Ukraine. It will take him 14 hours to reach the 1250 kilometers to the Polish-Ukrainian border.  There, the native Ukrainian and employee of Boehringer Ingelheim hands over the relief supplies.

Rescue Operation for Ukraine

Eugen – who speaks Russian, Polish and Ukrainian – seeks dialogue with the aid organizations on the ground. He learns about refugees – a family consisting of grandmother, mother and two small children aged three and five – who want to go to Germany. Without further ado, Eugen offers his seats in the car and drives them to safety.

The journey of 24 and 25 February is the start of an unprecedented rescue operation. It is the first of 14 trips that Eugen has organized so far. He has won friends, neighbors and colleagues as supporters. Single trips by private car became convoys, consisting of cars and vans. Eight times Eugen was already at the wheel himself. In the meantime, he no longer drives his car, but rents a nine-seater. "Every seat means a human life that we can save," says Eugen. Eugen and his friends have already driven over 200 people out of the war zone.

The Boehringer Ingelheim colleague invests his free time, his weekends and his holidays to save people in need. He is pleased that Boehringer Ingelheim is supporting his work with ten volunteer days. Eugen has a pregnant wife and two children at home. But he knows from personal experience that Ukrainians also need him now.

Incredible Support for Refugees

Eugen grew up in Kiev. He came to Germany 18 years ago and found a second home in the greater Ingelheim area. His sister and nephew remained in Ukraine until the war broke out. Eugene's nephew fled via Moldova and Istanbul. There, Eugen picked him up. His sister is reluctant to leave her belongings behind and leave home. One day, a Russian missile hits her house. She gets injured. Eugen organizes her escape with friends on site. Meanwhile, the sister and her nephew live with Eugen – as well as two other Ukrainian refugees.

Eugen is particularly grateful for the incredible support without which his actions could not be so effective. On MyBI, Eugen asked for donations and support immediately after his first trip. The response has been overwhelming. The canteen puts together food parcels and donates canned food, many employees offer their help.  "I got a lot of messages. Colleagues have made rooms, apartments and houses available for refugees, donated money and brought relief supplies. I get goosebumps just thinking about it."

One of the many supporters is Anna Mezentseva. Since the beginning of the war, she has been committed to helping newcomers through the city of Ingelheim. Through her boss, she learns about Eugen's trips. Eugen and Anna talk on the phone the same day. The two understand each other right away, exchange their contact details.

Helping Refugees getting settled

Since the beginning of March, Anna, Discover Trainee at Boehringer Ingelheim, has been helping refugees who Eugen brings to Ingelheim to arrive in their new home. She translates, helps the refugees to open a banking account or get a mobile phone contract. "People are so grateful for our help. It's natural for me to help as often as possible," she says. She also made use of the volunteer days by Boehringer Ingelheim, albeit only sporadically. "I can do most of it in my free time. And I hope that the war will end soon, and that I might be able to help rebuild on the ground."

Eugen is on Easter vacation this week. He spent the weekend with his family talking, playing and having a barbecue. But already on Friday Eugen will leave for Ukraine again – holiday or not. "Of course I would also like to lie on the beach in the south. But that can wait," he says. "There are more important things to do."