Ukraine's postal workers deliver lifeline under Russian fire

Every day, Igor Smelyansky, head of Ukraine's state postal service Ukrposhta, balances the need to send his postmen and women into the war zone against the risks to life and limb. Ukrposhta does much more than deliver mail; it pays out pensions, processes utility payments, and delivers essential food and medicine to millions of Ukrainians in remote villages. The service has become a vital lifeline for the country during the war.

However, Russia has been increasingly targeting Ukrposhta, launching attacks on postmen, sorting offices, and logistical hubs. Smelyansky must weigh the potential operational success against the risk of loss of life or injury when deciding where to send his teams.

Kateryna Marynych, a 38-year-old postmistress near Zaporizhzhia, lost her home and husband during the war and now runs a post office in a village destroyed by a Russian drone. Despite the danger, she continues to deliver cash and medications to elderly residents who rely on Ukrposhta for basic necessities. For many in remote areas, she can be their last connection with the Ukrainian state, providing not only essential services but also a sense of community.