A Ukrainian man who embarked on a perilous journey fleeing his war-torn country into Romania has been rescued from a deep mountain ravine in subzero temperatures with an unlikely companion: his months-old kitten named Peach
A Ukrainian journalist fleeing war found solace and survival thanks to his kitten, Peach, during a harrowing journey across the Carpathian Mountains into Romania.
The Ordeal
Vladislav Duda, 28, was found severely hypothermic in a 400-meter-deep ravine in Romania’s Maramures region. Battling subzero temperatures and a blizzard, rescuers discovered him clutching his kitten, Peach, inside his jacket. The feline had helped keep Duda warm and gave him hope during the ordeal.
Duda left Ukraine’s Kharkiv region more than a week prior, aiming to escape military conscription amid Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. He survived on melted snow after running out of food four days earlier. Despite his perilous state, Duda prioritized Peach’s safety, saying, “Peach kept my heart warm and my faith alive.”
The Rescue
Rescuers faced severe weather, aborting a helicopter retrieval in favor of a grueling ground mission. Over five hours, the team navigated deep snow and extreme cold to bring Duda and Peach to safety. Throughout the ascent, Duda refused to part with Peach, repeatedly asking rescuers to ensure his companion’s well-being.
Aftermath
Duda is recovering from severe hypothermia and is receiving treatment for circulation issues. Peach, malnourished but otherwise unharmed, has also received veterinary care and is expected to recover fully. The pair are being supported by a community center for Ukrainian refugees in Maramures.
Broader Context
Duda’s story highlights the desperate measures Ukrainian men are taking to avoid conscription, risking dangerous crossings through the Carpathian Mountains. More than 160 men have been rescued from the Maramures region since Russia’s invasion in 2022, with numbers increasing each year. Tragically, some do not survive the journey; 16 have been found dead.
Duda’s words underscore his plight: “My Peach kept me alive. We were afraid of everybody, not to be sent back to fight in a war that is not ours.”
The bond between Duda and Peach illustrates the profound connection between humans and animals, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.