On a freezing night in the Carpathian Mountains, a 28-year-old Ukrainian man named Vladislav Duda faced a life-threatening blizzard with his kitten Peach. Duda got trapped in a 1312-foot-deep ravine amidst subzero temperatures while fleeing from the war. He survived not only thanks to a massive rescue operation but also to the warmth and companionship of his Kitten. The kitten has kept Duda warm and alive. Adding more to the surprise, his kitten Peach, is just a few months old. Duda emotionally reflected that “My Peach kept me alive.” Let’s look closer at his journey to escape war and rescue.
Escaping War and Saved by a Kitten in the Carpathian Mountains
Background of the Escape
Duda who was a journalist in Ukraine, fled his war-torn home in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. He sought refuge in Romania to avoid being drafted into the ongoing war with Russia. His journey was not an easy one, but he wasn’t alone. Peach, his auburn-colored kitten, accompanied him as a loyal companion through every harrowing step.
Challenges Along the Way
Crossing the rugged Carpathian Mountains posed extreme challenges. With temperatures dropping as low as minus 10°C (14°F), Duda and Peach ran out of food four days before being found. They survived by melting snow for water. Both suffered from malnutrition, and Duda came dangerously close to frostbite. When the rescuers reached him he was over 1300 feet deep inside a gorge and covered with snow.

The Rescue Operation: Heroes in the Blizzard
Challenges for Rescuers
When Duda and Peach were stranded, a harsh blizzard and treacherous terrain made their rescue daunting. A helicopter mission was aborted due to dangerous weather, leaving ground rescuers to navigate deep snow and subzero temperatures on foot. The grueling mission lasted over five hours.

Peach’s Role in the Rescue
When rescuers finally found Duda, they discovered Peach snuggled inside his jacket, providing warmth and keeping his core temperature stable. According to Dan Benga, director of the Maramures mountain rescue service, Duda’s only concern was for Peach.
“The cat was warm and was warming him … so he saved his life,” Benga said. Duda’s first words to the rescuers were: “I’m happy because my cat is alive.” Even during the ascent out of the ravine, Duda clutched Peach tightly to his chest, repeatedly pleading, “Please take care of the cat.”
@dailymail A Ukrainian man escaping the turmoil of war to Romania was found clinging to life in a freezing mountain ravine, with only his young kitten, Peach, as his companion. Rescuers battled through a blizzard to reach the 28-year-old, who was discovered in a 1312-feet deep gorge in the northern Maramures region, suffering from severe hypothermia. Vladislav Duda had fled Ukraine to avoid being drafted into his country’s armed forces fighting Russia. ‘The cat was warm and was warming him … so he saved his life,’ Dan Benga, the director of the Maramures Mountain Rescue Service, told The Associated Press. ‘The only thing we saw he is caring about is the cat. He doesn’t care about himself.’ 🎥 AP #news #europe #ukraine #romania #war #snow #cats ♬ this place feels familiar – pxlse. & ascxnd
Recovery and Reflection
Medical Treatment
After the rescue, Duda was treated for severe hypothermia and near frostbite. Peach, who had been malnourished, received veterinary care in Baia Mare and is expected to make a full recovery.
“It’s like a dream, after all I have been through, I only hoped to be found and to survive,” Duda told the AP.
Duda’s Reflection
Now safe, Duda recounted his harrowing experience. “What I remember is the fear of the unknown and the fear of not making it through the night alive. Peach kept my heart warm and he kept my faith alive.” He expressed gratitude for the chance to start anew, crediting Peach as the reason he survived.

Their story is a reflection of a larger crisis. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, over 160 Ukrainian men have been rescued from Romania’s Maramures region, with the numbers rising annually. Tragically, 16 others have lost their lives attempting similar crossings.
Conclusion
Peach’s story is more than a tale of survival; it’s a testament to the strength of companionship in overcoming adversity. Amidst the harsh realities of war and nature, Peach served as a symbol of warmth, hope, and love.
Duda’s bond with his kitten reminds us of the profound impact animals can have in our lives, even in the direst of circumstances. As readers, we’re invited to reflect on the resilience of those displaced by war and the importance of compassion—both human and animal—in facing hardship.
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