Frietbakkers Franky van Hintum (54) from Helmond and Coen van Oosten (50) from Waspik had to run for their lives in a rocket attack. Nevertheless, the two are planning a new trip to Ukraine. For the thirteenth time, the duo will bake fries for residents of the country at war. “This only strengthens us,” says Frank.
“We survived with all the luck in the world”, Frank still realizes. “The images stay in your head.” At the end of last month, the duo was slightly injured in a rocket attack in Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine. Both men escaped with minor cuts and scrapes to their hands and arms.
The two were eating at a restaurant at the time. The building partially collapsed and people were trapped under the rubble. “We tipped the girl at the counter. A few seconds later she was gone. That is unbelievable. It is proof that our journey is still needed.”
“We have taken a lot of rest in recent days and fortunately feel much better now,” says Franky with relief. He will discuss the new trip with Coen again on Monday afternoon. That will probably happen in the first or second week of September.
“We feel safe enough.”
Would it not be totally irresponsible to return? “We feel safe enough. We could not have foreseen that rocket in the restaurant,” says Franky. “We avoid places where there are many soldiers. We also have very good guidance.”
The bus is also almost ready for a new trip. It was badly damaged last time. “The doors couldn’t open anymore.” The car will probably be ready again at the end of this week: dented and with new doors and stickers.
Franky and Coen have regularly been at the front since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. There they bake fries for the people there. They also want to start filming again next trip. “We want to show how ordinary citizens are affected by the war. There is not enough attention for that at the moment.”
So now the thirteenth trip is on the schedule. Or is that not a number? “I’m not superstitious.” The two keep going as long as it takes. “It is simply unbelievable what has been done in this city by Russians. And how soldiers, doctors and civilians are trying to survive in this horror environment.”
Images of the attack in Ukraine:
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