War attracts certain tourists as seen in Ukraine. In addition to safety issues, its legal and ethical implications are complex.
You’ll see posts from many people on social media, but they usually begin with, “I’d like to help as an activist in Ukraine.” Doctors, veterans, truck drivers, college students, and countless others. People have questions. Some people have weapons while most do not. But they all have one goal: to get to Ukraine and be part of the war.
Montana is now helping to evacuate women and children from the war-torn region, according to a video by “Volunteers from Ukraine”, a forum from the US state of Montana. Another woman from Los Angeles, a nurse by profession and mother of two children, is helping the wounded on the front lines. At the same time, an elderly woman has left everything behind in America to help rescue war-affected animals.
The idea of traveling to a war zone may sound crazy, but since Russia invaded Ukraine 12 months ago, a group has emerged who want to experience a war zone.
Ukraine’s tourism industry was still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic when Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war. Missile attacks are happening everywhere from the country’s capital Kiev. But tourism has grown despite the risks.
Tourists who have recently visited Ukraine describe Kiev as generally peaceful. Favorable exchange rates have made services cheaper and most banks, hospitals, pharmacies, shops and restaurants are operating as normal. However, there is also the risk of being shot, blasted, injured, infected or caught in combat. Despite these risks, there has been no reduction in foreign arrivals to Ukraine. Some of these war tourists have paid the price for it too.
Australia’s Sage O’Donnell became a victim of the war before Christmas. O’Donnell, a former soldier, was training Ukrainian activists. He was the fourth Australian civilian killed in this battle. Altogether 112 foreign nationals have been killed in this war while many have been taken prisoner by the Russians. War tourism is not a new phenomenon. Historical sources cite the presence of tourists at historical battles such as the Battle of Waterloo and the Battle of Bull Run during the American Civil War.
