"This is our reality": Film on war through the eyes of Ukrainian rescuers screened in France
The audience included French, Polynesian, and Slovak rescuers, local authorities, volunteers, and city residents — people who are currently working alongside Ukrainians to fight wildfires. The film showed:
The footage included scenes of search-and-rescue operations, clearing rubble, and helping those affected. The film also separately showed cases of follow-up attacks in which the rescuers themselves came under fire.
Silence filled the room during the screening. Some French rescuers were unable to hold back their tears.
"For Ukrainians, this is not a movie. There are no actors, sets, or the option to say, 'Stop, let's shoot another take.' This is our reality," the press service said.
The agency stressed that Ukrainian rescuers decided to show the film to their French colleagues so they could see the conditions in which Ukrainians rescue people every day and continue working during the war.
After the screening, those present thanked the Ukrainians, hugged them, and shook their hands.
"Ukraine was offered a helping hand. Today, Ukrainian rescuers are extending theirs. And we really want everyone to take a piece of Ukraine from this meeting — and remember the people who fight for lives every day," Ukraine's State Emergency Service said in a statement.
As Rubryka reported, Ukraine sent its largest international team of rescuers to France. Ukrainian rescuers arrived in the French department of Gironde, where they joined efforts to contain a large-scale forest fire. Before starting their work, they assessed the situation and identified the areas where they would operate.
Earlier, Rubryka reported that Ukraine had sent a combined team of rescuers to France as part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The mission included 70 emergency responders and 15 pieces of specialized equipment. If the situation worsens, Kyiv is ready to deploy additional SES aircraft.
What is known about the fires in France
Wildfires in France have affected large areas and threatened populated areas, forcing authorities to carry out mass evacuations. In recent days, around 250,000 people have been evacuated from the southwestern departments of Gironde and Landes due to large-scale wildfires.
Around 30 fires were burning across the country. To help deal with the disaster, France mobilized its armed forces. Additional army units were deployed to support firefighters by clearing vegetation and creating firebreaks.
However, the situation remains difficult despite the efforts of local fire services. The French government described the situation as "absolutely unprecedented," while President Emmanuel Macron called on the European Union to activate the Civil Protection Mechanism.
- Last
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- August, 08
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
News by day
9 of August 2026
