‘It hurts to think about Azovstal’: The surgeon smuggled into Mariupol to save Ukrainian soldiers
“It really hurts to think about Azovstal,” Yevgen says, remembering how bombs rained down as defenders made their last stand inside the steelworks. “Not all of us came back.”
It was a desperate situation. Medical staff worked around the clock treating the wounded in a bunker, as fighters outside mounted fierce resistance against appalling odds.
Yevgen Gerasimenko, a retired military surgeon, was working in a hospital in Dnipro, southeastern Ukraine, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February last year. Like so many others, he put his hand up to defend his homeland.
What followed was a daring flight into besieged Mariupol on a helicopter loaded with ammunition. The plan was to smuggle him into Azovstal to save lives.
After the steelworks and city fell to Kremlin forces on 20 May, he spent four months as a prisoner of war.
“I can’t think about Azovstal without tears in my eyes”, Yevgen, 62, tells Sky News in an exclusive interview for the anniversary of the surrender of the steelworks.
Yevgen Gerasimenko
Flying low into Mariupol under cover of darkness
“Helicopters were there waiting for us,” he said.
It was 2am on 31 March 2022 and Yevgen was at an airport with a group of fellow medics including another surgeon, two anaesthesiologists and a head nurse.
There wasn’t even enough room to sit down in the aircraft because of all the supplies packed tightly onboard.
“We flew really low, about eight or 10 metres above the land. Sometimes I even felt we touched the tops of trees.”
They landed successfully and transferred to motorboats which were loaded with ammunition and weapons.
Smoke rising from the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol
“We couldn’t have any lights, it was dangerous. We didn’t want anyone to spot us so we had to use GPS to get to Azovstal.”
It took about an hour to reach the docks near the factory. But their adventure was far from over – airstrikes started as the group approached the plant and lasted for about three hours.
They watched as planes approached the metalworks and dropped bombs just 700 metres or so from where they were hidden. Eventually, they made it inside.
The ‘fortress’ came under relentless shelling from Russian forces
Inside the factory fortress
“We were exposed to constant bombardment from the enemy,” Yevgen said. “They tried to hit us from air, land and sea.”
There was a constant flow of wounded coming into the bunker where Yevgen and his colleagues worked, treating about 350 patients at a time.
A Ukrainian soldier inside the ruined metalworks on 7 May 2022. Pic: AP
“Our medical staff were physically exhausted and psychologically depressed. They had to work 24/7 with injured people.
“There wasn’t enough air in there. There wasn’t enough drinking water, food or sunshine.”
Ukrainian soldiers injured during fighting against Russian forces pose for a photographer on 10 May, 2022. Pic: AP
Azovstal fighters lay down their arms
The defence of Mariupol has already gone down in history, with the last Ukrainian soldiers holding out for weeks in the ruins of their city.
Finally President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave the order for all those who remained in the steelworks to surrender.
In Yevgen’s view, “that order saved the lives of over 2,500 people”.
A Ukrainian soldier stands inside the ruined Azovstal factory prior to the surrender. Pic: AP
On 20 May, after more than 80 days of resistance, the last Ukrainian fighters laid down their arms. Those who had defended the steelworks were hailed as heroes by their government.
They were credited with tying up Russian troops for weeks, buying time for Ukrainian forces elsewhere to regroup and rearm.
Read more:
The pounding of Azovstal – pictures that tell a thousand words
Released Ukrainian prisoner of war reveals torment at the hands of Russians
Four months as a prisoner of war
After their surrender, any hopes that he and his colleagues would be immediately returned to Ukraine, or granted rights consistent with their status as medical professionals under the rules of war were dashed.
“Russia did not follow the Geneva Convention. It violated all the rules,” he said.
“All our medical staff, including nurses and military doctors, were taken hostage.”
Ukrainian servicemen leaving the steelworks after the surrender. Pic: AP
Yevgen says he was held captive for a total of four months. He was taken prisoner on 20 May – he remembers the date because it’s his wife’s birthday – until 20 September when he was released back into Ukrainian-held territory.
“It’s difficult to describe the feelings I experienced during that time”, he said.
“I feel bitterness, and I feel sorry for the nurses and medical staff who are still in Russian-held territory, illegally kept as prisoners of war.”
Heart of Azovstal project
Yevgen was able to return home. He is now back working at a hospital treating wounded soldiers.
He is also promoting the Heart of Azovstal project, an initiative launched by Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov to support people who helped defend Mariupol, and the families of those still in captivity.
The project includes treatment and rehabilitation programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of the soldiers and their families, and help them return to a civilian lifestyle.
Looking back at the events of 12 months ago, Yevgen says it is tough to think about what happened. But, he adds, if he could go back to March 2022 he would do it all over again.
“Mariupol, Donetsk and Luhansk regions and Crimea – this is our homeland and we must defend it.”
In just 50 days, Donald Trump has upended our world. He has ripped up rules, attacked allies and sided with enemies.
A country we thought for decades had our backs is no longer a reliable partner.
We travelled thousands of miles to ask what that means for our lives and millions of others – from the sweltering backstreets of Africa to the frozen wastes of Greenland and Finland’s tense border with Russia.
Donald Trump‘s supporters at home and abroad see him as the disruptor-in-chief who will bring peace and prosperity, putting America first.
But to many others we found he threatens chaos and a far darker future.
While Mr Trump may be challenging convention and bringing fresh thinking, his critics say he is moving too fast and erratically. His first 50 days in office, they claim, have weakened America’s place in the world and that will be exploited by rivals.
Risk of resurgent epidemics in Kenya
We went first to Kenya. The focus in the West may have been on Mr Trump and Russia but in the developing world, it’s the end of US aid that is grabbing the headlines.
On the frontlines of Africa’s war on HIV we heard Mr Trump’s actions being compared to an act of “biological warfare”.
Even among allies and admirers of the American president, there is deep unease and fear about what could come next, most of all the risk of resurgent epidemics of diseases like HIV, TB, malaria, ebola, and polio.
A street in one of Kenya’s poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi
In one of Kenya’s poorest neighbourhoods in Nairobi, we joined health workers on their rounds, down sewage-filled alleyways into cramped, overcrowded buildings.
In a one-room home, we met a young mother who is dependent on American aid. Anne is HIV positive and needs daily medication and nutritional support for both herself and her one-year-old son. She is terrified for their future because of the cut in US aid.
Anne, who is HIV positive, with her young child
An alleyway of one-room homes in Nairobi
“I’m so worried,” she told us, “because if it carries on like this the medication could run out. When the medicine is not there, the protector of my body is not there, so anything can just pass through me.”
‘We had no warning’
Kenya received $850m (£658m) in aid a year and that has now been abruptly severed. A US Supreme Court decision against the Trump administration may restore some of that but there is complete uncertainty about what happens next.
Martha, a healthcare manager in Nairobi, spelled out what is at stake: “We had no warning. We could not prepare the households. It was so sudden.
Martha, a healthcare manager in Nairobi
“We expect more death. We expect more children to die before the age of five. We expect more death for children living with HIV and it is going to be bad,” Martha said, adding that more than 20,000 children who use her organisation’s services will be affected.
90% of all US aid contracts cut
The Trump administration says the aid has been only been suspended for 90 days pending a review. But in reality, many key programmes appear to have been shut down completely.
After a 45-minute flight west of Nairobi to Kisumu, we saw what is happening away from big cities. The impact seemed just as severe.
At one provincial hospital US Agency for International Development (USAID) signs were everywhere but on doors that are now shut. It had been a hub for patients to receive their treatment but that’s now in doubt.
A health worker delivering medication in Kisumu
Kisumu, Kenya
Staff told us there were just two months of supplies left for some medication, and less than a month for others, because there have been no more deliveries.
Patients were stockpiling drugs, said doctors, panicking for the future.
‘Biological warfare’
The US-supplied ammunition for Africa’s war against HIV, malaria, TB and other diseases is running out. It has taken decades and billions to bring them under control. The fear is of a return to epidemics not seen for years.
A sign thanking the American people in the hospital in Kisumu
Deliveries of medication supplied by USAID in the Kisumu hospital
Eric Okioma is HIV positive and runs a charity helping others with the disease in Kisumu.
“When you look at it from a public health aspect, that’s biological warfare that’s the way I’m seeing it because from a human rights perspective, he did the wrong thing – he should not have taken it abruptly.”
Eric Okioma, who runs a charity helping others HIV in Kisumu
Mr Trump is popular among many in Kenya. His conservative stance on issues like gender and sexuality resonates in this predominantly Christian country.
But even among admirers and supporters there is deep unease about his aid cut.
Peter Gunday, a father and churchgoer, told us he agreed Kenya should be less dependent on US aid and encouraged to provide for itself – but Mr Trump’s action had been too sudden.
“He wants to make America great again… [but give an] olive branch to us even if it is only for some time.”
Peter Gunday, a churchgoer in Kisumu
The aid cut threatens lives and America’s standing in the world. The US has used aid to wield soft power and influence.
Read more:
US aid crisis leaves South Africans living with HIV in turmoil
What is USAID?
America in retreat
Its superpower rival China prefers building. They have lent billions for massive infrastructure projects like the new railway from Nairobi to the coast through the heart of the city’s safari park.
For Beijing it’s all leverage, applied ruthlessly to increase access to Africa’s abundant natural resources.
One of the new Chinese-built roads in Kenya
Under Trump, America is unilaterally deserting that battle for power and influence. Its values and interests will inevitably suffer. Not so much America first but America in retreat.
Finland prepares for Russian aggression
Closer to home, it is America’s shift on security causing the greatest concern. We flew thousands of miles north to one of NATO‘s newest member countries that sits on a border with Russia.
What did people in Finland make of what Mr Trump is doing to the Western alliance they have only just joined?
We filmed with Finland‘s military on the border with Russia that was closed because of the war in Ukraine.
On Finland’s border with Russia
In sparsely populated woods, locals report sightings of Russian drones, we were told. And there has been a surge in recruits to the border guard because of the international situation.
One of them, Aku Jaeske, told us he had joined up “for the defence of our own country”.
Aku Jaeske
He said: “I think most of us, I think, are here because of that. It’s really hard if we have a 1,300 and something kilometre border with Russia – it’s pretty long – we have to have good men there.”
‘Bring it on’, says one Finn
What did he make of Mr Trump and what he saw on the news?
“I think it’s crazy when you turn your TV on today, you can’t know what is really happening.”
The war with Ukraine and Russia’s belligerence has sparked a boom in shooting, with hundreds of new ranges opening up in Finland to meet demand.
In a range outside Helsinki, one shooting enthusiast Jerkri told us what he thought was behind its growing popularity.
![Jerkri says shooting has become popular in Finland because 'people are noticing maybe [they are] to take care of themselves'](https://e3.365dm.com/25/03/768x432/skynews-jerkri-finland-shooting_6849200.png?20250307172024)
Jerkri says shooting has become popular in Finland because ‘people are noticing maybe [they are] to take care of themselves’
Inside one of Finland’s growing number of shooting ranges
“The situation in Ukraine and people are noticing that maybe [they are] having to take care of themselves… think about it.”
Amateur shooters go through their paces, crisscrossing an open range at speed firing at targets dotted around the room. Patrick said he was worried by the direction of events.
“But if it did come to it… bring it on,” he said.
Patrick says ‘bring it on’ in response to a question on having to use his shooting skills in the future
In a service station, Finland’s most popular tabloid had the headline, “Trump’s 10 gifts to Putin.”
Finns were once a byword for peace-loving neutrality. They are arming up now, and watching Mr Trump’s overtures to the Kremlin warily.
Finland after all is where Mr Trump stood next to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his first term in office and infamously said he would believe him over the word of US spy agencies.
US may be deserting the West
The Finns know from their history a belligerent Russia cannot be trusted.
In Europe, the US is not just withdrawing under Donald Trump, who says the US cannot prioritise the continent’s security any longer. It looks like it may be changing sides deserting the West entirely: Cutting off aid and intelligence to Ukraine while it is pummelled by Russian rockets and drones; branding Ukraine’s leader – and not the tyrant of Moscow – a dictator; attacking close allies with tariffs; resetting relations with Russia while it continues to invade a part of Europe.
‘Trump is ridiculous’, Greenlanders say
And threatening to take over its neighbours. Our journey ended in Greenland, top of the list of Mr Trump’s planned acquisitions.
Most people we spoke to were genuinely worried by him.
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland
Students Aviana and Julie told us Mr Trump’s antics were alarming.
“That’s very scary actually – it seems he’s more with Russia than Ukraine. I’m really scared.”
Students Aviana and Julie said they were scared by Trump’s actions
Another passerby said Mr Trump had no right to make a play for their homeland. They said: “I think it’s ridiculous that he thinks he can just take our land. We don’t have the resources to fight against the USA.”
Jurgen Boassen has become a well-known figure for having opposing views – he is outspokenly pro-Trump.
Jurgen Boassen, who is pro-Trump and is paid by MAGA groups to promote ‘cultural ties’ between Greenland and the US
“I think he is a great man who wants to have peace in the world,” he told us.
‘Europe is failing’
He admits he is paid by MAGA groups in America to promote “cultural ties” and believes Greenland will gradually come around to the idea of becoming closer to America.
Ice caps in Greenland
“I don’t care because they will realise I’m doing the good thing for Greenland. Europe is failing, Britain, Sweden, Belgium, Holland even Germany,” he said.
Wherever we travelled people seemed in shock. America used to believe helping others was good for America – keeping the peace in Europe, saving lives, or protecting the sovereignty of neighbours.
Read more:
Why does Trump want Greenland?
85% of Greenlanders oppose joining US, poll finds
The fear is under President Trump it is just out for itself. The idea Mr Trump could carve up the world into spheres of influence with other authoritarian leaders seems plausible. If that is the case, lesser nations like Greenland may have plenty to fear.
From what we were told on our journey, Donald Trump’s America First foreign policy risks the lives of millions, the security and sovereignty of allies, and America’s own place in the world while potentially strengthening its enemies.
World
Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney named prime minister of Canada – succeeding Justin Trudeau
Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney has been named Canadian prime minister after winning the Liberal Party leadership race in a landslide victory.
Mr Carney, who also used to be the head of Canada’s central bank, emerged as the frontrunner in the contest as the country deals with the impact of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
He ended up winning 85.9% of the vote.
During his victory speech, he told the crowd: “Donald Trump, as we know, has put unjustified tariffs on what we build, on what we sell and how we make a living.
“He’s attacking Canadian families, workers and businesses and we cannot let him succeed and we won’t.”
Mr Carney said Canada would keep retaliatory tariffs in place until “the Americans show us respect”.
Mr Trump’s tariffs against Canada and his talk of making the country America’s 51st state have infuriated Canadians.
The American national anthem has been repeatedly booed at NHL and NBA games.
“Think about it. If they succeeded, they would destroy our way of life… America is a melting pot. Canada is a mosaic,” Mr Carney added.
“America is not Canada. Canada will never ever be part of America in any way, shape or form.”
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‘You can’t take our country or our game’
The 59-year-old will replace Justin Trudeau, who has served as prime minister since 2015.
Mr Trudeau announced he was stepping down in January after facing calls to quit from a chorus of his own MPs.
The 53-year-old’s popularity had declined as food and house prices rose.
Mr Carney will now have to decide when to call a general election in Canada – which must take place on or before 20 October.
In 2013, he became the first non-UK citizen to run the Bank of England since it was founded in 1694.
His appointment was popular in Britain after Canada recovered from the 2008 financial crisis faster than many other countries.
Read more:
Trudeau steps down with his popularity in shreds
Canadian PM criticises Trump over tariffs
During leadership debates, Mr Carney argued he was the only person prepared to handle Trump.
“I know how to manage crises,” he said.
“In a situation like this, you need experience in terms of crisis management, you need negotiating skills.”
The surge in Canadian nationalism has bolstered the Liberal Party’s chances in a parliamentary election.
US President Donald Trump has suggested Ukraine “may not survive” the war against Russia even if American support continued.
In an interview with Fox News channel’s ‘Sunday Morning Futures’, Mr Trump was asked about his controversial decision to pause support for Kyiv as it fends off Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Mr Trump, who had a disastrous meeting with Mr Zelenskyy at the White House last week, was asked about a warning from Polish President Andrzej Duda “that without American support, Ukraine will not survive”.
Asked if he was “comfortable” with that outcome, the US president said: “Well, it may not survive anyway.
“But we have some weaknesses with Russia. You know, it takes two,” Mr Trump added.
Donald Trump. File Pic: Reuters
Follow the latest updates on Donald Trump
It comes as Mr Zelenskyy will visit Saudi Arabia for a Monday meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives will meet with a US delegation on Tuesday.
Mr Trump’s latest remarks come amid global concern over the souring relationship between Ukraine and the US, which alongside the EU has been Kyiv’s main backer in its defence against Russia’s three-year land, air and sea invasion.
The US paused military aid and the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine this month after a meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskyy on 28 February descended into acrimony in front of the world’s media.
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Mr Trump ordered the pause as he attempts to put pressure on Mr Zelenskyy to negotiate a ceasefire deal with Russia.
Mr Trump has privately made it clear to aides that a signed minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv will not be enough to restart aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, Sky News’ US partner network NBC reported earlier on Sunday.
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How are Americans feeling after nearly 50 days of Trump?
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‘Trump bump’ turns to a Trump slump
The 78-year-old president is said to want the deal signed, but also wants to see a change in Mr Zelenskyy’s attitude towards peace talks.
Officials have told NBC News that Mr Trump also wants Mr Zelenskyy to make some movement towards holding elections in Ukraine and possibly stepping down as his country’s leader.
Mr Zelenskyy said in a recent interview he would be ready to step down as Ukraine’s president if it meant his country would become a NATO member and find peace.
That came after he was branded a “dictator” by Mr Trump as Ukraine had not held fresh elections – despite laws prohibiting it during wartime.
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