A fundraiser for generators for the Ukrainian capital is underway, where after Russian attacks residents have been experiencing emergency power outages for over a week, along with heating and water supply disruptions. “The reaction of Poles exceeded our expectations. You have shown that you care about the fate of your neighbors,” the organizers write.
What happened?
As part of the “Warmth from Poland for Kyiv” campaign, Polish women and men donated over PLN 1 million within three days. The collected funds will be used to purchase generators and deliver them to residents of the Ukrainian capital. The fundraiser was organized by the Stand With Ukraine Foundation together with several organizations and civic movements, including: Euromaidan-Warsaw, the Democracy Foundation, Sestry.eu, the Open Dialogue Foundation, the Polish Business Council Foundation, and the Entrepreneurs Help initiative.
Initially, the organizers planned to purchase 100 generators. However, the target amount was reached within just a few hours.
“Dear friends, your solidarity is incredible. We are increasing the goal to PLN 2 million,” the organizers wrote.
“Thanks to your contributions, we can do much more than we originally planned. This money means real warmth for people in Ukraine. We will reach those who are freezing in dark homes and hospitals without electricity. We will buy more generators, sleeping bags, and fuel.”
“I have exactly the same feeling I remember from 2022 — when all of Poland united to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. What is happening now around our fundraiser is absolute proof of one thing: trolls and bots can write whatever they want in the comments, but Poles will still do their job. They help. They are united. They have enormous hearts,” Natalia Panchenko, President of the Stand With Ukraine Foundation, wrote on social media.
She added:
“This million is not just an amount. It is a sign that real empathy and responsibility are stronger than disinformation and hate. That good still prevails. For me, this is deeply moving and incredibly important. Because once again I feel that Ukraine is not alone. Just like in 2022, we stand together. And only together can we defeat evil. Thank you, Poland.”
Link to the fundraiser HERE.
Moving comments appeared under the fundraiser description. Here are some of them:
“We, Poles, stand with you in this difficult time of trial. You will win!”
“Severe frost is a dangerous situation, and other arguments do not matter now.”
“I wish you warmth and bright days.”
“Thank you for bravely and steadfastly defending Europe from the Soviet monster.”
“May you be warm!”
“Dear Ukrainians, I wish you much warmth and the longed-for, just peace. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. AK.”
What is the context?
Following the latest intense Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, Ukrainians have been living for over a week under emergency power outage schedules, without stable heating and water supply. Electricity appears in apartments for only 3–4 hours per day and may come at night. Ukraine is experiencing its harshest winter since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Nighttime temperatures drop to as low as -20°C. Russia has taken advantage of this and continues daily attacks.
The most difficult situation is in the capital, home to more than 3.5 million people. After the Russian attack on the night of January 8–9, Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko even encouraged residents, if possible, to temporarily leave the city for areas where alternative heat sources are available. Over 6,000 residential buildings were left without heating (within several days the situation improved — according to the latest data, around 100 apartment buildings remain without heat). Indoor temperatures in Kyiv apartments have dropped to just 10–12°C. Pipes are bursting in buildings, and electrical wiring is catching fire due to sudden power outages and surges.
Due to this critical situation, authorities introduced a state of emergency in Ukraine’s energy sector. Two special task forces were created to stabilize electricity and heating supplies: a nationwide one and a separate one for Kyiv. Emergency repair work in the capital and surrounding region continues around the clock despite severe weather conditions.
Across the country, local governments together with emergency services are opening more and more “Points of Invincibility” (pictured above) — places where people can warm up, drink hot tea, charge their phones, and receive psychological support. Sometimes these are simply large heated tents in residential areas. More than 10,000 such points operate across the country, including 1,300 in the capital.
To allow people to access the “Points of Invincibility” even at night, on Friday, January 16, the government amended curfew movement regulations (in force since February 2022 due to martial law). The eased rules apply in areas where a state of emergency has been introduced, primarily in Kyiv.
Source: oko.press
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