She Gave Her Life for Animals—GCF Honors Her Legacy
July 8, 2025
Dr. Olena “Leleka” Yeremenko, a medic working on the front lines of the war with Russia, was a beacon of compassion. She risked everything to save frightened, starving animals trapped in the war zone of eastern Ukraine. Tragically, on June 29, 2025, she was killed in Sumy, Ukraine, while helping animals escape the violence.
A Hero for Animals
Dr. Yeremenko was right in the thick of it, helping rescue 42 animals from Sumy alongside Animal Rescue Kharkiv, despite intense Russian shelling. Her bravery, kindness, and unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable individuals is something the family who love and miss her will never forget, and neither will we.
Her courage was matched only by her tenderness. “Until I leave food for every animal, we won’t go further,” she said—capturing the passionate love that guided her work.
Will You Honor This Hero’s Legacy by Supporting PETA’s Global Compassion Fund?
Dr. Yeremenko’s legacy lives on through the work of Animal Rescue Kharkiv and the ARK PEACE Sanctuary, a place of safety for animals rescued from war zones. PETA’s Global Compassion Fund makes this life-saving work possible.
Animal Rescue Kharkiv Brings Hope to Ukraine
Amidst the ongoing destruction and suffering in Ukraine, hope has a home: the ARK PEACE Sanctuary. Thanks to Animal Rescue Kharkiv, PETA Germany, and funding from PETA’s Global Compassion Fund, the ARK PEACE Sanctuary was built to provide long-term refuge for animals rescued from the front lines of the war in Ukraine. Nestled in a safer region, the sanctuary offers comfort, care, and healing to dogs, cats, and other animals who have lost everything.
Here, traumatized animals receive veterinary care, nourishing food, warmth, and—most importantly—love. Many were found injured, starving, or hiding in the rubble of bombed-out buildings. At ARK PEACE, they finally get the chance to feel safe again.
This sanctuary symbolizes what compassion can achieve, even in the harshest conditions. It exists because of kind individuals like you. Your gift helps Animal Rescue Kharkiv and others continue the critical mission of rescuing, sheltering, and protecting animals in some of the most dangerous places on Earth.
Donate Now!
PETA’s Global Compassion Fund is supported exclusively by the contributions of kind individuals like you. Your gift is helping PETA entities and partners create positive, sustainable change in corners of the Earth where animals desperately need assistance—and may have no other hope.