We are once again living through a winter that is unlike any of the pre-war ones. The full-scale hostile invasion of russian troops on February 24, 2022, has led to a number of risks for every Ukrainian citizen, which are associated with threats to human life and health, as well as living conditions. Last year, Ukrainians suffered from attacks on critical infrastructure, got used to the schedules of turning off and on the electricity, heat and water supply, and this year everything has become even more unpredictable, as one enemy missile is enough to plunge a settlement into darkness and cold.

Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattya, together with foreign partners, is doing its best to respond promptly to requests related to overcoming the consequences of shelling for emergency services, social and medical institutions, and civilians from the frontline areas, based on last year’s experience. Most of these requests are for alternative power sources, heaters, autonomous lighting devices, etc.

Thus, in December 2023 – January 2024, the Committee transferred nearly 800 convectors and heaters, more than 2,000 spotlights and lanterns to the military, civilians, medical workers and in accordance with other relevant requests. The vast majority of the humanitarian aid was sent to Kharkiv, Donetsk, Mykolayiv, Chernihiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Vinnytsya, Kirovohrad regions, as well as to shelters in the communities of Zakarpattia.

Undoubtedly, the massive russian shelling of Ukrainian settlements on December 29 last year was a challenge for volunteers and philanthropists. Back then, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Konotop, Smila, Lviv... came under fire from enemy missiles and drones, killing 55 people and injuring more than 170. To help doctors in this difficult situation, volunteers of our humanitarian warehouse have formed almost 18-ton humanitarian cargo with hospital kits, ventilators, oxygen cylinders, solutions, bandages, medical furniture, consumables, etc. To help the affected civilians, support the destroyed infrastructure and provide power to the de-energized healthcare and education facilities, the Committee sent 540 heaters, nearly 1,000 lighting devices, a dozen powerful generators, about 4 tons of food, half a ton of clothes and warm blankets, more than 40 tons of hygiene products, almost 300 packs of hand warmers and another 600 kg of firefighting equipment to the affected regions. In addition, in response to relevant requests, 2 vehicles were transferred and a fully equipped field hospital was prepared for shipment.

Our partners from Nova Poshta, where the Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattya has had its own bonus account for more than a year, ensure the prompt delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected communities.

Thanks to the coordinated and professional actions of our Defenders, most regions have forgotten about blackouts and life "on schedule," but we have not been spared from daily threats from bombs, missiles, drones, cyberattacks, air alarms and their consequences. The enemy does not leave Ukraine alone – from the front to the rear. Therefore, we remain focused to be timely in our assistance and support.

Let’s keep working, taking into account the winter challenges of war!