An American volunteer was injured by shrapnel from a Russian drone strike while assisting with evacuations in Ukraine. Devon Masser, affiliated with the Pennsylvania-based humanitarian organization Plain Compassion Crisis Response (PCCR), was struck during an operation in the town of Lyman on Wednesday, according to footage shared by Radio Free Europe.
Masser was in a vehicle with two police officers and a reporter when a Russian fiber-optic drone detonated near their van, sending shards of glass and metal flying. The dramatic video captured the moment the drone struck, with Masser visibly injured, clutching the left side of his face as he and his companions escaped from the car. The officers attempted to provide first aid to Masser, who was bloodied but managed to briefly explain his mission. “I’m with Plain Compassion Crisis Response. We’re here to evacuate people,” he stated after the attack.
PCCR has been active in Ukraine since the onset of the war in February 2022, focusing on evacuating civilians from conflict areas. The organization has been instrumental in helping Ukrainians flee from frontline regions while also providing essential supplies and food to those in need. Additionally, PCCR offers adoption services for children orphaned by the ongoing conflict.
During the drone strike, Masser was working alongside the Donetsk Police’s White Angels unit, which specializes in civilian evacuations amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The Donetsk Oblast, a region heavily targeted by Russian military operations, has seen an increase in drone activity, further complicating evacuation efforts. Reports from last month highlighted the dangers faced by civilians, including footage of drones pursuing frightened farmers in the area, illustrating the perilous conditions in Donetsk, where civilians are often stalked by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
PCCR did not provide immediate comments regarding Masser’s condition or the incident. The situation remains tense as the Russian military continues its campaign to gain control over the entire Donbas region, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
