Pete Masters, the owner of The Sacred Brew café in Hereford, has embarked on nine aid missions to Ukraine, facing life-threatening situations in his quest to help those impacted by the ongoing conflict. Reflecting on his experiences, Masters admitted his initial trepidation when confronted with the reality of warfare; however, he has since accustomed himself to the dangers he faces during these missions. Most recently returning from a month-long visit to Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, he recounted incidents of Russian troops operating dangerously close to his location, with hostile interactions becoming part of his routine. Regardless of these threats, Masters expressed a deep commitment to providing assistance to those in need, asserting that he feels a profound sense of purpose in his current endeavors.
During his travels, Masters has observed a critical shortage of essential resources such as water, electricity, and food. His latest trip, which he described as “pretty hairy,” involved efforts to transport a group of women to safety in his vehicle. However, the women, exhibiting a strong sense of determination to stay in their home country, chose not to leave. Masters understood their reluctance but poignantly reminded that in the face of war, “Russia doesn’t care about stubbornness,” highlighting the stark reality that the conflict can lead to devastating consequences in an instant. Just two days after their attempted evacuation, the apartment of one of the women was hit by a rocket, serving as a grim reminder of the perilous environment surrounding them.
Initially drawn to Ukraine to document the war, Masters’s mission evolved into one focused on providing humanitarian aid after witnessing the desperate plight of civilians following Russia’s invasion in 2022. With no previous military experience, his faith motivated him to act, and he found support through church connections that led him to engage directly with Ukrainians needing assistance. This sense of spiritual responsibility has guided his actions, reinforcing his belief that he is fulfilling a vital role during a critical time, despite the inherent risks associated with his work.
Although Masters typically conducts these missions alone, he occasionally teams up with friends from London to bolster support. His expeditions often take him to the front lines of conflict, where the potential for violence looms large. On one occasion, his vehicle was targeted by rockets, yet he has managed to adopt a mindset of resilience, seemingly unfazed by such life-threatening encounters. He describes approaching these dangerous settings with “a little bit of faith,” highlighting a determination to continue his efforts irrespective of the risks involved. Nonetheless, he remains acutely aware of the threats surrounding him, noting the tragic instance of a French aid worker who lost her life when a rocket struck her vehicle in the same area.
The inner peace and fulfillment Masters experiences through his humanitarian work form a powerful motivator for him to persist in his efforts despite the ongoing dangers. When questioned about the prospect of stepping back from such risk-laden missions, he confidently asserted that he feels “finished yet” and believes that what he is doing is valuable and impactful. His commitment to aiding those who endure the hardships of war reflects a broader narrative of ordinary individuals stepping up during extraordinary times, inspired by a deep sense of empathy and moral obligation.
As he continues to document and assist in the face of war, Masters embodies the spirit of resilience and hope that many individuals strive for amid chaos. His experiences underline the stark realities of life in conflict zones, coupled with the human capacity to adapt and respond to the needs of others. With plans to return to Ukraine and carry on his mission, Masters stands as a testament to the enduring strength and compassion of individuals who risk their lives to offer aid, showing that even in the darkest circumstances, a sense of purpose can emerge.
