In Photos: The Animals of Ukraine
Among the millions of lives upended by Russia's invasion of Ukraine have been the country's animals, both domestic and wild.
But in many instances, they have provided companionship and emotional support to humanitarian workers and Ukraine's troops stationed near the frontlines.
And perhaps Ukraine's most famous animal, Patron the dog, has helped save countless lives by sniffing out land mines.
Here's a look at some of the animals living in Ukraine's war-torn regions:
But in many instances, they have provided companionship and emotional support to humanitarian workers and Ukraine's troops stationed near the frontlines.
And perhaps Ukraine's most famous animal, Patron the dog, has helped save countless lives by sniffing out land mines.
Here's a look at some of the animals living in Ukraine's war-torn regions:
British volunteer Zara plays with dogs and cats while delivering humanitarian aid to citizens of Bakhmut, Donetsk region.
Ihor Tkachov / AFP
Stray puppies seen in the village of Chornobaivka near the city of Kherson. The fighting for Chornobaivka lasted from Feb. 27 to Nov. 11. Following the liberation of Kherson, the village was finally recaptured by Ukraine's forces.
Andriy Dubchak / Donbas Frontliner
A Ukrainian woman holds a puppy near Kherson.
Andriy Dubchak / Donbas Frontliner
The village of Vysokopillia after it was recaptured from Russian forces.
Andriy Dubchak / Donbas Frontliner
A Ukrainian military serviceman near Kherson.
Andriy Dubchak / Donbas Frontliner
The village of Novoselivka, near Chernihiv.
Oleksandr Ratushniak / UNDP Ukraine
The village of Novoselivka, near Chernihiv.
Oleksandr Ratushniak / UNDP Ukraine
The village of Novoselivka, near Chernihiv.
Oleksandr Ratushniak / UNDP Ukraine
A woman stands near her home which was damaged by shelling in the village of Novoselivka, near Chernihiv.
Oleksandr Ratushniak / UNDP Ukraine
A liberated village near the city of Izyum.
Andriy Dubchak / Donbas Frontliner
Stray cats seen in Borodyanka, Kyiv region.
Eva Fomycheva / Donbas Frontliner
The village of Chornobaivka near Kherson.
Andriy Dubchak / Donbas Frontliner
Patron, a Jack Russell Terrier who works as a detection dog for Ukraine's State Emergency Service, is pictured in the village of Shestovytsia in Ukraine's Chernihiv region after a battle against Russian forces.
Patron works with sappers from the State Emergency Service to sniff out unexploded ordnance and safely remove it.
Patron works with sappers from the State Emergency Service to sniff out unexploded ordnance and safely remove it.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded him the Order for Courage for his work in locating and defusing unexploded ordnance left behind by Russian troops.
Patron, who is two years old, loves cheese, according to his handlers.
Patron, who is two years old, loves cheese, according to his handlers.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine
