An Aussie couple have landed in Poland and will try to cross the border into war-torn Ukraine to rescue their newborn daughter, as frantic doctors put signs on hospital roofs to stop them from being bombed.
Jessica Van Nooten and Kevin Middleton, from Melbourne, had 15 failed rounds of IVF over a seven-year period before they decided to get help from a surrogacy agency in Ukraine.
Their miracle baby Alba was born 10 weeks early on February 22 in Odesa, in southern Ukraine – two days before Russian forces invaded the country.
The couple were at Dubai Airport when they suddenly found out their connecting flight to the East European nation had been cancelled, leaving them no choice but to book a last-minute flight to Warsaw, the Polish capital, to save their daughter.
Jessica Van Nooten and Kevin Middleton (pictured) have been together for 20 years
Their daughter Alba (pictured) was born 10 weeks’ early in the Ukraine – two days before Russia invaded
Daily Mail Australia understands there is a medical sign on the roof of the neonatal intensive care ward where Alba is hooked up to life-saving machines.
Local health workers are hoping the signs will be enough to keep deter Russian soldiers from dropping bombs on medical facilities.
Ms Van Nooten and Mr Middleton landed on Sunday and are hoping to drive to Moldova before they attempt to enter Ukraine, despite the Australian government urging residents to flee the area immediately.
Russia was added to the ‘do not travel’ list on Monday with all Australians told to leave, and if not then to ‘remain vigilant’.
‘If you’re in Russia, consider leaving by commercial or private means if it’s safe to do so,’ the warning read.
‘The security situation could deteriorate further with little warning.’
Melbourne couple Jessica and Kevin Van Nooten received news their daughter Alba had been born 10 weeks early
Alba (pictured) is hooked up to machines in Odesa, southern Ukraine. Her parents are frantically trying to reach her
‘If you decide to stay in Russia, review your personal security plans. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family.
‘Russian authorities may adopt a more negative attitude towards foreigners in Russia in reaction to perceived support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia.’
Ukraine’s health ministry said on Sunday that 352 civilians, including 14 children, had been killed since the beginning of Russia’s invasion.
It also said that 1,684 people, including 116 children, had been wounded.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Monday that the country faces a ‘crucial’ 24 hours as Russia throws even more ground forces at the capital city Kyiv – which is about 400km away from Odesa.
Satellite images shared overnight showed a five kilometre-long convoy heading towards the capital, after Russian leader Vladimir Putin put his nuclear deterrent forces on ‘alert’.
Ukrainian servicemen patrol during a curfew as Russian forces continue to advance on the third day
The couple have landed in Poland to try and rescue Alba. Pictured: Ukrainian family reunites at the Medyka border crossing in Poland
The images showed a deployment of hundreds of military vehicles moving in the direction of the Ukrainian capital from about 65km away.
It is understood that more than 400 Russian mercenaries have been flown in from Africa to assassinate President Zelensky.
Ms Van Nooten told 7 News on Friday that Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told her not to go to the Ukraine.
‘I said, ‘I’m going to Ukraine’. How could you not go? You’re just going to leave your child there? Not an option,’ she told the network.
‘What clothes is she wearing? What nappies is she wearing? Who is cuddling her? Who is touching her? Who is reading her stories? You know what, no one is.’
The couple, who have been together for 20 years but only got married so they could qualify for surrogacy in the Ukraine, sent the embryos to Ukraine in May and found out they were going to be parents in September.
A fundraiser to help the new parents pay travel and medical bills has reached more than $50,000.
