An American humanitarian volunteer was injured by shrapnel from a Russian drone strike while on a mission to evacuate civilians in Lyman, Ukraine. Footage from the incident on March 13, 2024, shows Devon Masser, a member of the Pennsylvania-based organization Plain Compassion Crisis Response (PCCR), suffering injuries to his face after a drone detonated near his vehicle. The attack highlights the ongoing dangers faced by humanitarian workers amidst the conflict.
Masser was accompanying two police officers and a reporter when the drone, identified as a Russian fiber-optic model, approached their van and exploded. The blast sent shards of glass and metal flying, prompting the group to escape the vehicle. Video footage captured the harrowing moment as Masser was seen clutching his face in pain while fleeing the scene through a devastated field. The police officers quickly rallied to provide him with first aid.
In a brief statement following the attack, Masser identified himself as part of PCCR, stating, “I’m with Plain Compassion Crisis Response. We’re here to evacuate people.” PCCR has been active in Ukraine since the onset of the war in 2022, focusing on evacuating individuals from conflict zones while also delivering food, supplies, and adoption services for children orphaned by the war.
The incident occurred while Masser was working alongside the Donetsk Police’s White Angels unit, which is dedicated to civilian evacuations in the besieged region. The Donetsk Oblast has been a focal point of intense Russian drone activity as part of Moscow’s military strategy to capture the entire Donbas region. Last month, disturbing footage emerged of Russian drones targeting civilians, including farmers, in Donetsk, illustrating the high risks faced by individuals in the area.
PCCR has not yet released an official comment regarding the incident. The organization continues to operate under challenging conditions, prioritizing the safety and well-being of those caught in the conflict. As the situation remains volatile, humanitarian efforts in Ukraine face increasing threats from ongoing military operations.
The recent drone strike serves as a stark reminder of the perils that humanitarian workers endure in war zones, where the risk of injury or worse is ever-present. Masser’s experience underscores the critical need for support and protection for those dedicated to providing aid in the face of adversity.
