Young “Kyiv Bats” are helping rebuild the Ukrainian capital

A horrific tragedy occurred in Kyiv on 14 May, when an X-101 missile struck a nine-story residential building in the Darnytskyi district during Russia's massive overnight shelling. The residential wing was completely destroyed, right down to the basement. Twenty-four people were killed, including three children. Alongside the work of the State Emergency Service and municipal services, many volunteer groups have gathered to assist in dealing with the aftermath of Russian strikes. One such group is the Kyiv Bats, an emergency response organisation that helps Kyiv residents get back on their feet by installing plywood boards on windows and clearing debris after attacks. Around 70 Bats volunteers were working at the strike site that day. The damage caused by the rocket was extensive. Several buildings' windows were blown out by the shockwave, with shattered glass and severely damaged frames. “If not us, then who?” Maryna Kartash, who lives alone in her apartment, reached out to the Bats for help. A crew of two young men and a forewoman responded. Maryna's apartment is located in the entrance closest to the neighbouring building, which was hit by the rocket. All the windows and metal structures in her apartment were destroyed. The volunteers swept up the glass debris and packed it into industrial-strength bags. They also boarded up the damaged windows using plywood supplied by a local company. Eighteen-year-old Mura has been volunteering at Kyiv Bats for over a year. “I can at least help out a little here. Even if it’s just carrying a board, I’ll help – it’ll boost my karma,” she said. It was the third apartment that the young volunteer had been working that day. Artem, who coordinates volunteers and brought two friends along, boarded up windows in another woman’s apartment in the same block of flats. All three are 18 years old and driven by a desire to help people. When asked why so many young people feel driven to help, Artem responded: “If not us, then who?” “We…