Rescuers carried lists with names of those ready to leave a city devastated by Russian attacks. Kostiantynivka lacks power, gas, heat, running water, and has sparse food and shelter. The team called to windows and balconies, urging mostly elderly and infirm residents to evacuate. They helped a disabled woman and her wheelchair into a van.

Evgeny Tkachev, with the U.N.-supported group Proliska, described entering Kostiantynivka as playing ‘Russian roulette.’ Rubble obstructs streets, craters appear frequently, and drones are a constant presence.

Before the conflict, Kostiantynivka had about 67,000 residents. By January, that number dropped to about 2,000. The city is a major target in the Russian offensive and a strategic location the Ukrainians are determined to hold.