Latest news with #Prevail
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Opinion - As US aid evaporates in Ukraine, civilian heroes are stepping up
Last month, Chris Garrett was killed while clearing landmines in eastern Ukraine. A British bomb disposal expert turned humanitarian, Garrett founded Prevail Together, a demining organization operating in the war-torn country. Alongside him died Nick Parsons, a 28-year-old former Australian Special Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal operator. I had the privilege of working with both men as part of a four-man bomb disposal unit just days before their deaths. Their loss illustrates a painful truth: As official U.S. government aid to Ukraine dries up, private citizens from America and around the world are stepping into the breach — sometimes at the ultimate cost. The roughly $130 billion of American aid has been essential in maintaining Ukraine's struggle for survival. But that aid, for the moment at least, will not be continued with any new assistance packages from the U.S. government. This is why the work of civilian organizations has become even more critical. During my three-week humanitarian trip to the Kyiv, Kharkiv and Donbas regions, I witnessed firsthand what dedication to a dangerous cause looks like. Garrett and Parsons would drive past army checkpoints into areas littered with mines, burning fields and freshly dug trenches in anticipation of fighting to come. Between clearing lanes on minefields and warily eyeing the sky for lethal drones, they maintained an almost surreal humor and calm. At one point on the road south from Izium, Garrett abruptly halted our truck after spotting a red fox standing in a field. 'Watch out for mines, buddy,' he muttered before driving off. Like navigating a minefield himself, he was always alert, scanning for anything out of place. Not afraid to confront danger. There's a famous George Orwell quote that states, 'People sleep soundly in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.' Garrett was one of those rough men, and while he no longer did violence himself, his dangerous work allowed Ukrainians to sleep more soundly. In the 'most mined country on earth,' he made countless acres safer for civilians and soldiers alike. Garrett and Parsons weren't alone. Prevail's teams operate across Ukraine, eliminating threats from landmines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices. Their medical teams deliver critical healthcare, transporting wounded civilians, police officers and military personnel to hospitals. Another group, Task Force Antal, consisting of retired military combat veterans, has trained over 20,000 Ukrainian civilians in emergency response, with a waiting list of 50,000 more. Prevail Together and Taskforce Antal are entirely volunteer organizations — warriors turned humanitarians. These organizations embody something profound about the global relationship with Ukraine: it transcends government policy. While official U.S. aid may pause, the spirit of supporting those fighting for freedom continues through citizens from America and around the world willing to donate time, money and sometimes their lives. They deserve and need our continued support. Beyond the humanitarian mission, there are strategic reasons we can't afford to abandon Ukraine. Russia is not America's friend; it is a hostile dictatorship, and Ukraine is fighting a courageous war of self-defense. History has taught us to stop predators like Putin before they launch even larger wars. What message would Putin's success send to China regarding Taiwan, or to North Korea and Iran? The Western world appeased Hitler, leading to World War II. We won't avoid World War III by appeasing Putin. Despite the tragic loss of its founder, Prevail continues its mission in Ukraine. But it and other civilian groups like it need support — our support — to replace what the U.S. government has withdrawn. When I think of Chris Garrett and Nick Parsons, I remember men who risked everything for people they had never meet. Their sacrifice demands we ask ourselves: If they were willing to give their lives, what are we willing to give? Ukraine deserves peace, but not at the cost of sovereignty or territory. They deserve the just peace that brave defenders like Garrett and Parsons died trying to deliver. As Americans, we may disagree about government policy, but we can still uphold our finest traditions by supporting the humanitarian heroes working on the ground. Owen Pataki, who served in the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan, is an author and has recently returned from Ukraine's frontline regions as a humanitarian volunteer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
As US aid evaporates in Ukraine, civilian heroes are stepping up
Last month, Chris Garrett was killed while clearing landmines in eastern Ukraine. A British bomb disposal expert turned humanitarian, Garrett founded Prevail Together, a demining organization operating in the war-torn country. Alongside him died Nick Parsons, a 28-year-old former Australian Special Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal operator. I had the privilege of working with both men as part of a four-man bomb disposal unit just days before their deaths. Their loss illustrates a painful truth: As official U.S. government aid to Ukraine dries up, private citizens from America and around the world are stepping into the breach — sometimes at the ultimate cost. The roughly $130 billion of American aid has been essential in maintaining Ukraine's struggle for survival. But that aid, for the moment at least, will not be continued with any new assistance packages from the U.S. government. This is why the work of civilian organizations has become even more critical. During my three-week humanitarian trip to the Kyiv, Kharkiv and Donbas regions, I witnessed firsthand what dedication to a dangerous cause looks like. Garrett and Parsons would drive past army checkpoints into areas littered with mines, burning fields and freshly dug trenches in anticipation of fighting to come. Between clearing lanes on minefields and warily eyeing the sky for lethal drones, they maintained an almost surreal humor and calm. At one point on the road south from Izium, Garrett abruptly halted our truck after spotting a red fox standing in a field. 'Watch out for mines, buddy,' he muttered before driving off. Like navigating a minefield himself, he was always alert, scanning for anything out of place. Not afraid to confront danger. There's a famous George Orwell quote that states, 'People sleep soundly in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.' Garrett was one of those rough men, and while he no longer did violence himself, his dangerous work allowed Ukrainians to sleep more soundly. In the 'most mined country on earth,' he made countless acres safer for civilians and soldiers alike. Garrett and Parsons weren't alone. Prevail's teams operate across Ukraine, eliminating threats from landmines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices. Their medical teams deliver critical healthcare, transporting wounded civilians, police officers and military personnel to hospitals. Another group, Task Force Antal, consisting of retired military combat veterans, has trained over 20,000 Ukrainian civilians in emergency response, with a waiting list of 50,000 more. Prevail Together and Taskforce Antal are entirely volunteer organizations — warriors turned humanitarians. These organizations embody something profound about the global relationship with Ukraine: it transcends government policy. While official U.S. aid may pause, the spirit of supporting those fighting for freedom continues through citizens from America and around the world willing to donate time, money and sometimes their lives. They deserve and need our continued support. Beyond the humanitarian mission, there are strategic reasons we can't afford to abandon Ukraine. Russia is not America's friend; it is a hostile dictatorship, and Ukraine is fighting a courageous war of self-defense. History has taught us to stop predators like Putin before they launch even larger wars. What message would Putin's success send to China regarding Taiwan, or to North Korea and Iran? The Western world appeased Hitler, leading to World War II. We won't avoid World War III by appeasing Putin. Despite the tragic loss of its founder, Prevail continues its mission in Ukraine. But it and other civilian groups like it need support — our support — to replace what the U.S. government has withdrawn. When I think of Chris Garrett and Nick Parsons, I remember men who risked everything for people they had never meet. Their sacrifice demands we ask ourselves: If they were willing to give their lives, what are we willing to give? Ukraine deserves peace, but not at the cost of sovereignty or territory. They deserve the just peace that brave defenders like Garrett and Parsons died trying to deliver. As Americans, we may disagree about government policy, but we can still uphold our finest traditions by supporting the humanitarian heroes working on the ground. Owen Pataki, who served in the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan, is an author and has recently returned from Ukraine's frontline regions as a humanitarian volunteer.
7NEWS
12-05-2025
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Australian bomb disposal volunteer killed while working with charity that clears landmines in Ukraine
An Australian man has been killed while volunteering to clear landmines in war-torn Ukraine. Nick Parsons died last week after suffering significant injuries near the city of Izyum in the country's east. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Australian Nick Parsons killed in Ukraine. Exactly what happened is still under investigation, but he was working with UK-based charity Prevail Together as a bomb disposal expert at the time. Parsons was among three people critically injured, with Prevail's British co-founder, Chris Garrett, also dying from his injuries. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his 'deepest condolences and sympathies' to the Australian's family. 'I can confirm he wasn't a participant in the conflict. He was volunteering with a humanitarian organisation and so I do want to remind Australians that Ukraine is a do-not-travel zone,' Albanese said. 'The situation is extremely dangerous and we continue to strongly advise all Australians not to travel to Ukraine under any circumstances.' Ukraine's ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said Parsons had been taking part in a 'very important' demining mission. 'We are very thankful to him and for his courageous work in Ukraine,' Myroshnychenko told SBS. 'Demining is one of those areas where your life is 50/50, you can live or you can die, and it's one of those sharp razors that you walk on, and it's very dangerous.' Prevail board member Shaun Pinner said 'our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected'. A statement on Prevail's website said it is still gathering information on the incident and working with police and military to 'uncover the details'. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing support to the family of an Australian killed in Ukraine. 'We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,' it said. 'Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.' 'We await a ceasefire' It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Turkey this week. 'We await a ceasefire — this proposal is on the table,' Zelenskyy wrote on X. 'A full and unconditional ceasefire, one that lasts long enough to provide a necessary foundation for diplomacy, could bring peace significantly closer. 'Ukraine has long proposed this, our partners are proposing it, and the whole world is calling for it. 'We await a clear response from Russia. The killings must stop.' Major European powers have pushed the Russian leader to agree to 30-day ceasefire or face new sanctions. 'President Putin of Russia doesn't want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY,' US president Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the US, will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly!' Putin sent Russia's armed forces into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering a conflict that has led to significant casualties.
Sky News AU
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
PM offers ‘deepest condolences' after Australian humanitarian aid worker killed whilst disposing bombs in Ukraine
Former Australian soldier Nick Parsons has been killed whilst volunteering for a land mine disposal charity in Ukraine, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese verifying the incident and offering his 'deepest condolences' to the man's family. The ex-soldier was killed alongside a British colleague whilst volunteering for the UK-US based charity Prevail Together, which specialises in clearing and disposing deadly landmines and undetonated explosives. Parsons, aged 28, and known as 'Desmond' by his peers, died from injuries sustained last week in a potential armed drone attack in the eastern Ukrainian city of Izyum. In a statement on Monday, Prevail board member Shaun Pinner confirmed the incident was still under investigation and that the organisations co-founder and bomb-disposal expert Chris Garrett was the second casualty. 'On May 6 Prevail received the devastating news that our Founder and Chairman alongside other team members were severely injured in an incident near Izyum,' it read. "We are still gathering information and working alongside military and police officials to uncover the details." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed he had received advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs to not name the man, yet reiterated that Parsons was not a combatant but rather an international aid worker. 'It's important to express the deepest condolences and sympathies with his family and his loved ones at this very difficult time," he said. He also stated DFAT was providing consular support to the man's family and reminded Australians that Ukraine was 'not a travel zone' and 'the situation is extremely dangerous'. It is believed a third unnamed man who was also volunteering for the charity was critically injured in the incident that occurred last Tuesday. In a statement to SBS News, Ukraine's Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said the death of the Australian man was 'very sad and very unfortunate'. 'I would like to express my condolences to his family members to his friends and relatives here in Australia, it's very tragic," Mr Myroshnychenko said. "He was just a volunteer, but was on a very important mission, a demining mission'. A GoFundMe page has been set up for Mr Garrett, who was also known as 'Swampy', with more than US$46,500 raised as of Monday afternoon. The fund is aiming to cover repatriation and funeral costs of the British national.
The Guardian
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Former Australian soldier killed in Ukraine while working for humanitarian organisation
An Australian man has been killed while working for a humanitarian organisation in Ukraine. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, on Monday confirmed the 28-year-old former soldier had died. Albanese expressed his 'deepest condolences and sympathies' to the man's family and friends. He said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) was assisting the man's family and had advised that he not be named 'at this point in time'. 'Out of respect for the family's privacy and consistent with our obligations, there is a limit to what we can say publicly at this time,' Albanese said. 'I can confirm he wasn't a participant in the conflict, he was volunteering with a humanitarian organisation.' Albanese said Ukraine remained a 'do not travel zone' and 'we continue to strongly advise all Australians not to travel to Ukraine, under any circumstances'. The ABC reported the man died last week from injuries he suffered near the city of Izyum in eastern Ukraine. The man was reportedly working for Prevail, a humanitarian non-government organisation (NGO) that clears landmines in the war-torn country. Last week, Prevail posted a statement on its Instagram account saying the charity's founder and chairman and other team members had been 'severely injured' in an incident near Izyum. 'We are still gathering information and working alongside military and police officials to uncover the details,' the statement said. Shaun Pinner, a former British soldier and Prevail board member, posted a statement on X on 7 May that said two of the three people who had been injured had 'sadly passed away'. Pinner said he could confirm that Prevail's founder and chairman, Chris Garrett, was among those who had died. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected,' he said. 'We can't and will not comment during an ongoing investigation.' A fundraiser set up to support Garett's family, which had raised more than USD $46,000 as of Monday, said the veteran was an explosive ordnance disposal expert who died while working to disable an explosive device. A Dfat spokespersonsaid it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Ukraine. 'We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,' they said. 'Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.'
