While the war continues, so does the determination of the people on the ground who refuse to leave animals behind. Through PETA’s Global Compassion Fund, which supports critical animal rescue and relief efforts worldwide, and its partnership with Animal Rescue Kharkiv (ARK), animals across Ukraine are receiving the care, protection, and second chances they desperately need. Bolstered by donations from kind donors like you to the Global Compassion Fund, the team can continue reaching animals who otherwise might have no chance of survival.

---

As bombs fall and civilians flee, a small group of animal rescuers heads in the opposite direction.

The powerful new documentary RESCUE follows teams risking their lives to save animals trapped in active war zones across Ukraine. They drive down mined roads, navigate shelling, and enter devastated villages to reach frightened animals who have been left behind.

The film screens in Los Angeles on October 15 as part of the DOC LA Film Festival.

See PETA-Supported Rescuers in Action

One of the film’s featured rescue teams is Animal Rescue Kharkiv (ARK), whose rescuers have saved tens of thousands of animals since the war began. PETA’s Global Compassion Fund has supported ARK’s critical work, including helping fund a veterinary clinic where injured and traumatized animals receive urgent care.

Viewers will follow ARK rescuers Ruslan Horbal and Simone Eisenbeiss as they race into dangerous frontline areas where drones patrol the skies overhead and frightened animals remain trapped. Despite the constant peril, they refuse to give up on animals who have nowhere else to turn, providing the food, shelter, veterinary care, and refuge they desperately need. In one memorable scene, they travel to the war-torn village of Shyikivka to rescue several goats and dogs, loading the traumatized animals into their vehicle as explosions echo in the distance.

“When you bring kindness to them [animals] in such a bad environment, they follow you.” —Simone Eisenbeiss

The film also features Petya Petrova, a former PETA Germany campaigner who has been helping animals across Ukraine since the war began. Even as the attacks persist, she travels into high-risk areas to deliver food and other supplies to cats who may otherwise go hungry.

RESCUE shows the reality of animal rescue in a war zone: long days on the road, heartbreaking losses, and incredible moments of hope when animals are brought to safety.

“It’s not just about going there because someone said so. I do it because I want to. And I chose it.” —Ruslan Horbal

See RESCUE at DOC LA

Thursday, October 15, 2026
7:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Regal LA Live
1000 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Tickets are just $15. Get yours before they sell out.

Animals caught in wars, natural disasters, and other crises depend on compassionate people willing to help. PETA’s Global Compassion Fund supports rescue efforts around the world, helping provide emergency relief to animals who need it most.