Following the latest string of Russia's barbaric attacks against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, in Kyiv alone more than 2 million people got cut off from electricity and heating, with temperatures going below minus 20 Celsius at times.
"It's very difficult. My friend even says she doesn't want to live anymore - it's that bad. There's no electricity and almost no heating. It's hard to keep warm at all. We haven't had heat since January 9th. No matter how many layers of clothing I put on, I still shiver"
- Kyiv resident Tamara told Polish Radio.
In response, the "Stand With Ukraine" Foundation kicked off an ongoing fundraiser titled "Warmth from Poland for Kyiv". The Poles' response has been overwhelming - as in mere 4 days more than 700.000 EUR has already been gathered, with over 26.000 Poles' donating so far.
The fundraiser is available online HERE
Ukrainians describe Moscow's targeted attacks on their country's critical infrastructure as "Russian energy terror against civilians".
In this situation, the fundraiser's goal is to purchase power generators and power stations, which will be distributed to Kyiv residents. The organizers initially aimed to raise 1 million złoty (around 235.000 EUR). This goal was quickly exceeded, though - so the bar was first raised to 2 million (around 470.000 EUR), and later to 3 million (around 705.000 EUR) - already surpassed as well on the fourth day of the action.
There is no upper limit - because the amount needed to prevent this and future energy-based humanitarian crises in Ukraine, resulting from Russia's barbaric attacks, is much greater. As of Friday - there was not a single energy infrastructure site unscathed by Moscow's airstrikes - not only in Kyiv, but in the entire country.
"People are forced to stay in freezing apartments and basements. They wear several layers of clothing to try and maintain their body temperature. Meanwhile, Russian drones and missiles fly overhead, deliberately destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure"
- the fundraiser organizers say.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Warsaw, Vasyl Bodnar, has repeatedly expressed "huge thanks and the highest appreciation to all Poles who support the fundraiser" on social media.
"In the current, dramatic situation, this help is extremely important and truly saves lives. We thank all the people and organizations involved in this fundraiser - for their solidarity, responsibility, and true partnership with Ukraine"
- the diplomat emphasized.
In recent days alone, the Russians have sent 1,300 drones, over 1,000 guided aerial bombs, and 29 missiles of various types to strike Ukraine. The vast majority of these attacks was against civilian targets - adding to the countless war crimes committed in Ukraine by Putin’s forces during their illegal, full-scale invasion going on since February 2022.
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Source: IAR, PAP, PR24