Cold weather, combined with regular power outages and damaged energy infrastructure, means that large parts of the country’s population risk living through another harsh winter without adequate warmth. Millions of Ukrainians, displaced by the war, face the grim reality of living through freezing temperatures with limited access to heat. With continuous attacks damaging homes, schools, and vital community facilities, the need for basic necessities like hand and feet warmers and heating blankets is increasingly urgent. These items can provide much-needed relief and a semblance of comfort to those suffering through extended power outages and the ensuing cold, particularly in the hardest-hit areas along the front lines:
“Nights in eastern Ukraine can be very cold. Even in summer. Especially when you’re on watch in trenches or among concrete ruins, watching through a thermal imager for any approaching enemy sabotage group. You can’t move much. All night you fight with sleep and with the cold, which becomes particularly piercing towards morning. In winter, several guys from our unit got frostbite on their feet, and some had to have their fingers amputated. Good footwear and chemical hand and foot warmers saved me. Two packs are enough to keep your feet warm until morning.”
– Yurko Vovkohon, Veteran Project Manager
The impact of the war has left many Ukrainians with inadequate shelter and insufficient heating, worsening the difficulties of winter. Last year’s continuous blackouts and extensive damage to energy facilities highlighted the challenges the populations faces during winter. The fear of repeating bombardments and power failures constantly looms, making it difficult for people to stay warm. Providing hand and feet warmers, along with heating blankets, are an easy way to help Ukrainians, especially the elderly and children, maintain body warmth in their unheated homes. These practical solutions are a great help for the well-being and survival of millions facing another winter amidst the ongoing conflict.