Rescue from Ukraine: A Civilian Diary
Ian is 28 years old, from St Helens in England. His wife and son are currently in Ukraine. On Sunday 27th February he set off east on a flight to Poland, heading straight into the Russian invasion to be with them. This is his story.
- Update frequency
- every day
- Average duration
- 1 minutes
- Episodes
- 20
- Years Active
- 2022
March 6th, 2022 - 14:55: Checkpoints
Ian and family are en route towards safety, but the road is slow and not without its challenges - including checkpoints.
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March 4th, 2022 - 12:54: Plan B
Having missed out on the evacuation train in Nikopol, Ian and his family find other options to get out of the city.
Show your support and donate to the BRITISH RED CROSS UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL here.
March 4th, 2022 - 12:45: We Didn't Make It
Thousands of people are gathering at Nikopol station waiting for the evacuation train. Ian is there with his family, but not everybody will be getting on.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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March 4th, 2022 - 10:48: Buying Supplies for Soldiers
As Ian and his family wait for the evacuation train to arrive Nikopol, he offers help to local soldiers fortifying buildings.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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March 4th, 2022 - 07:49: Evacuation Train
There's rumours of an evacuation train leaving Nikopol today, but nothing's off the table. The main goal is to leave the city and Ukraine.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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March 3rd, 2022 - 18:06: Waiting for the Bombs
Ian had to take shelter in public as the air raid sirens called out across Nikopol.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
Show your support and donate to the BRITISH RED CROSS UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL here.
March 3rd, 2022 - 10:03: Where's the Alcohol?
Supermarket shelves are being emptied... especially the alcohol as citizens of Nikopol buy the ingredients for homemade molotov cocktails.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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March 3rd, 2022 - 09:33: Tension at the ATM
As the people of Nikopol become increasingly fearful of attack from the Russian military, tensions rise as citizens queue at the cash machines.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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March 2nd, 2022 - 17:32: Escape Plans & Molotov Cocktails
"I am prepared to kill any Russian who steps foot in Nikopol"
As he plans an escape route for his family, Ian is also preparing for the worst as Russian troops surround the city of Nikopol, Ukraine.
March 2nd, 2022 - 13:49: Planning Our Escape
Although prepared for the possibility of a Russian attack at any time, in the south eastern city of Ukraine where Ian and his family are based, things are currently calm.
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March 2nd, 2022 - 08:48: First Proper Day in Ukraine
After spending the evening catching up with family in south east Ukraine, Ian must now look to make preparations to keep him and his family as safe as possible during the invasion. You can follow his…
March 1st, 2022 - 21:00: I MADE IT!
Ian finally makes it back to his family in Ukraine after more than 48 hours of travelling. Now he looks ahead to protecting himself and his family from the Russian invasion.
March 1st, 2022 - 18:41: We Will Be Victorious
Ukrainians and the international community think Ian is a hero, but he sees it differently. However, he does have one message to everyone in Ukraine right now: WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS.
March 1st, 2022 - 18:40: 7 Hours for a Train
Upon arriving at the train station, Ian observes the many people trying to go the other way as they desperately try to escape the war.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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March 1st, 2022 - 08:00: A Train is a Train
Ian gives us an update as his long overnight train journey into the heart of Ukraine continues. Follow the podcast and stay up to date with Ian's journey as he heads towards his family.
March 1st, 2022 - 10:14: People are Preparing to Defend Themselves
As Ian continues his journey on the train, civilians are starting to prepare for attack. Continue to follow his journey as he goes to reunite with his family.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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February 28th, 2022 - 14:58: Made it to Lviv Station
It's been a busy few hours, but after setting off yesterday from Manchester Ian has made it to Ukraine. He gives an update from Lviv train station.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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February 27th, 2022 - 12:27: Bags Packed
Still in St Helens, Ian has made the decision to fly to Poland and travel into Ukraine to find his wife and son. Follow his journey here.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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February 28th, 2022 - 18:00: Nearly Time for Family Time
Ian is on board an overnight train in Ukraine heading closer to his family. Follow his journey here and subscribe now.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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February 27th, 2022 - 15:00: At Manchester Airport
Ian has arrived at Manchester Airport, waiting for his flight to Poland as he heads into Ukraine to find his family. Follow his journey here.
You can follow Ian on TikTok here
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