By Dmitriy Savenkov, Chief Commercial Officer of Meerland Ukraine Ltd.
We are incredibly proud to share that our very own Dmitriy Savenkov was recently interviewed by the Polish magazine Sestry. In this feature, Dmitriy opened up about the monumental task of managing humanitarian logistics during the height of the full-scale invasion.
Dmitriy’s journey from port operator in his city Mariupol to a key figure in Ukraine’s survival is a masterclass in applying “systems thinking” to real-world crises. In the Sestry article, he discussed:
The 30% Milestone
In 2022, Dmitriy and his team coordinated nearly one-third of all physical humanitarian aid entering Ukraine through Poland. This was not a passive transit role. It required structured intake systems, rapid cargo classification, customs coordination, warehousing, and onward distribution planning. Managing that volume during active conflict meant building scalable processes in real time while maintaining full visibility across multiple cross-border movements.
Fixing the "Broken Pipe"
When global courier networks suspended services into Ukraine, critical supply chains collapsed overnight. Dmitriy’s team stepped in to rebuild those routes manually. They handled international inbound shipments from Japan, Korea, and the United States, taking responsibility for customs clearance, consolidation, security checks, and last-mile coordination inside Ukraine. What had previously been automated global logistics flows became a hands-on operational effort requiring constant problem-solving.
The Power of Pro-Bono Operations
Unlike many humanitarian initiatives reliant on large-scale public fundraising, these operations were sustained primarily through internal resources and a network of committed sponsors. This required strict cost control, disciplined asset allocation, and careful prioritization of cargo based on urgency and impact. The ability to maintain continuity without public donation dependency speaks to strong internal systems and long-term operational planning.
The "Efficiency" Mentality
Dmitriy approached wartime logistics through systems thinking. Instead of reacting shipment by shipment, he focused on building repeatable, structured workflows that could handle growing volumes without breaking down. From intake processes to distribution tracking, every stage was designed to reduce friction and avoid duplication. In high-risk environments, operational discipline becomes the difference between delays and delivery.
Dmitriy represents the core of what we value at Bloc: using high-level professional skills to solve the world’s most complex problems. Whether he’s discussing the logistics of moving hospital beds from Canada or the personal toll of turning his own home into a refugee shelter, Dmitriy’s interview is a reminder of the impact one person can have when they apply a rigorous, results-oriented mindset to a humanitarian mission.
“The darkest night always precedes the dawn. The main thing is to keep working effectively.” — Dmitriy Savenkov
Article by Dmitriy Savenkov
Meerland Ukraine Ltd., a member of Bloc Logistics Network
is a Ukraine-based logistics company established by experienced FIATA-authorised professionals providing sea air road and rail freight forwarding services. It delivers FCL LCL project cargo air freight and warehousing solutions across Ukraine and Europe with customs documentation tracking insurance and tailored transport solutions worldwide 24/7 service reliability focus.
Bloc Logistics Network is a global platform that connects logistics professionals to share opportunities and collaborate without barriers. Bloc aims to level the playing field by creating an accessible, supportive environment where professionalism and collaboration drive real results. It serves as an ecosystem designed for mutual advancement, ensuring growth, efficiency, and success across the logistics industry.
