Kent councillor cheats death from Russian missile attack while in Ukraine
Jordan Meade had to flee to safety while on a humanitarian mission
A councillor on a humanitarian mission to Ukraine has told how he cheated death as Russian missiles rained down around his hotel.
Jordan Meade, 28, had to flee to safety as Kyiv was pounded by explosions.
Inside a reinforced hotel bomb shelter, the buildings shook from the blasts and sobbing children clung to their parents as Cllr Meade sat in dread of his own fate.
He said: “It was impossible not to fear the worst.”
The Gravesend Conservative raced to the refuge of the basement bunker after 10 deadly Russian hypersonic rockets, 62 X-101 missiles, dozens of drones and other weaponry were launched during the short, intense attack on January 2.
Most of the battery in the early hours was intercepted by Ukraine’s air defences but many did strike Kyiv.
The Kent County Council back bencher and leader of the opposition on Gravesham Borough Council was in the Ukrainian capital delivering baby clothing, children’s books and medical supplies.
Cllr Meade said: “Sitting in that basement bomb shelter, you couldn’t help wondering if just one of those missiles got through, that would be it.”
Cllr Meade was on his second mercy mission to the war-battered city, when Vladimir Putin launched one of his largest aerial assaults since the Russian invasion nearly two years ago.
Cllr Meade headed for the shelter when he heard a hypersonic missile explosion around the same time he received an alert warning on a Ukrainian app and the air raid sirens sounded.
He said: “It would be wrong to say that I thought I was going to die but it was a very scary experience, which brought home the realities of war that the Ukrainians have to endure almost every day.
“In the shelter, to see children sob and cling for their parents’ hands after each explosion was a harrowing reminder of the civilian suffering that Russia is causing through this illegal war.
“Had it not been for the Patriot air defence systems and the skill of the Ukrainian defence forces, the situation could have been catastrophically different for all of us in Kyiv that morning.”
He was staying in a hotel favoured by foreigners in the centre of the capital when the attack happened.
On the trip he was accompanied by Hampshire councillor Alex Rennie, founder of UK Friends of Ukraine, as they drove for 29 hours, covering 1,700 miles, to reach the capital.
The councillor added: “It is a reminder of why the West cannot give up on Ukraine. It was the first time that I had felt proper fear… as the buildings shook and the explosions echoed throughout the city.
“My heart aches for the Ukrainians who have to endure this daily.”
Cllr Meade used Gravesend pub TJ’s to coordinate the delivery and sorting of donations for his trips abroad with the help of landlord and landlady Tom O’Keeffe and Iris Smith.
She said: “Personally, knowing individuals who have witnessed first-hand the impact of the war on the people of Ukraine is what inspired us to do what we could to help. We are the 24th custodians of a pub, TJ’s, formerly the British Tar, which has served the community of Gravesend for over 200 years.
“In being a focal point within the community we were more than happy to offer our facilities as a drop-off point for this most worthwhile cause.”
Before setting off, the two councillors visited the Gravesend Art Group which pledged twenty boxes of art and craft supplies to be donated to children in Chernihiv.
Art group member Helen Ashenden said: “We are proud to be helping these children find some joy through the medium of art and craft, especially after the fear and suffering they experienced under Russian occupation.”
Cllr Meade added: “I cannot thank the individuals who have donated goods enough. These items are making a world difference on the ground.
“However, as the Russians intensify their attacks on civilian populations more support is going to be needed and therefore if you have anything that could help please get in touch with me at jordan@jordanmeade.co.uk and we will make sure that it gets to the people most in need.
“Whilst all donations will be received with thanks, we are seeking urgent donations of sanitary items, first aid and medical supplies, nappies, clean baby clothes, English children’s books, educational supplies, toys, and soft toys.
“Please call TJ’s Pub on 01474 533891 / 07710 247424 to arrange a drop-off. Thank you for your ongoing help and support.”