Feature Story: U of R student on Ukraine's frontlines

Abstract

Alex Nau is sitting in a garage waiting patiently for repairs to be done to the van he has been using to provide aid and transport to Ukrainians affected by the war. The shop is in the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine approximately 40 kilometres from the Russian border. While Russian forces have failed to capture the capital city, the region has been partially occupied by Russian forces since their full-scale invasion began in February. From Alex's calm demeanor on the video call as he awaits the all-clear from the mechanic, you would never guess that his life has been in danger since the day he arrived eight months ago to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.