Our Heroes: “White Angel” Grigory Bodnya saved hundreds of people from shelling by Russian troops in Donetsk region
Every morning of the policeman begins by adjusting the route to the settlements under the fire of the enemy, because there people are waiting for their rescuers.
The policeman, who works as part of a police crew providing assistance to citizens, knows dozens of safe roads to evacuate local residents who have become hostages of war.
Since 2014, the lawman's hometown Kurakhove has been in the line of fire, and since the full-scale Russian invasion, it has been hit daily by enemy shells.
Grigory Bodnia joined the ranks of the National Police in 2019. Since school years, he dreamed of wearing shoulder straps, and in difficult times for the country he understood that his strength and professional skills should serve to protect people.
The youth of the policeman passed in Donetsk. There he studied at an industrial technical school, and after the occupation of the city he finally realized that the path chosen as a child was the right one.
For three years, the law enforcement officer has been serving in the response sector of the Kurakhovo patrol police. He used to control road safety and fight crime, but the war made its adjustments to everyday affairs.
Now Grigory Bodnia is one of the police crew of the “White Angel”.
“I remember one of the first evacuations. Under shelling, we took a group of children out of Maryinka. These emotions cannot be conveyed in words. You just realize that you are saving the future. Each departure gives new strength and motivation to prepare for the next flight,” says Grigoriy.
Police crews travel daily to help people: they transport humanitarian goods, provide first aid, deliver to hospitals and evacuate people to safe places.
One of the inhabitants of Maryinka was between life and death: as a result of enemy shelling, a shard from a shell pierced her lung. Nearby were policemen Grigory Bodnia and Rustam Lukomsky, who rescued the victim.
“I know the roads, the terrain, the interchanges and the safe ways. This gives us the opportunity to be one step ahead of the enemy who kills civilians,” the policeman says.
Every departure of the police crew borders on deadly danger. “The most frustrating thing is the disregard for evacuation instructions. People do not want to leave their homes, even destroyed ones. They risk their lives and health,” says Grigory Bodnia.
In spite of everything, the policeman goes where it is dangerous, because people continue to wait for rescue: someone - food that simply does not exist, someone - medical help.
“I feel that people need help and I can't stand aside. The Donetsk police are my family, these are the people with whom I stand side by side every day. Together we oppose the enemy, help people and bring victory closer,” says Grigory Bodnia.
Donetsk Oblast Police Communications Department
