This month we mark four years since Ukraine TrustChain was established. It is an important moment for our organization, but also a difficult one. When we began this work, we hoped our role would be temporary. Sadly, four years later, the war in Ukraine continues.

In the midst of continuing harsh weather and Russian shelling, Sandra's Odesa-based team has been struggling to feed residents who have come to rely on the kitchen for much-needed nourishment. Also, Kherson’s expanding frontline and a touching evacuation story.

February 24th - will always be a special day in our lives. On this day, Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine - and for all those who still write and read this newsletter - life was divided into the period before and after.

Ukraine is losing Lyman, it seems. We’ve been able to witness it first-hand as this Donbas town has been the focus for Natalia’s team in the last year. Methodically, street by street Natalia was able to deliver aid there until last fall. At some point she was no longer able to deliver the aid into the city herself and was forced to leave it at a drop-off point, from where this aid was delivered further either using military armored vehicles or local activists.

The Ukrainian team received a standing ovation from thousands of spectators at the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Olympic Games. To date, our Ukrainian teams have evacuated over 70,000 people from front line areas. If you have trouble imagining that number, think about the San Siro stadium in Milan, which holds a little over 75,000 people. Watch the opening ceremony photos and videos and imagine every person in that audience as a refugee who had to flee their home, leaving everything behind.

In Tarasivka, the war reached Svitlana through her neighbor’s roof. A direct drone strike killed the entire family next door—people who were bedbound and unable to flee. Where the family home once stood, there is now only a crater.

US residents dealing with winter storms can only try to imagine what it’s like to face this type of weather with no power, electricity, or running water, and under relentless Russian bombing. This week we read some stories of survival.

Ukraine is experiencing an unusually cold winter spell. The freezing temperatures, combined with Russian attacks on the power grid and the continuing threat from drones have created complications for volunteers and locals alike. But the cold has also brought at least one unexpected benefit — drones don't fly as well in freezing weather.

Thank you for helping us reach and exceed our match goal! The goal was set at $75,000 and we received $130,834 in donations — 74% over the goal! The funds are already at work, making a significant difference in the lives of Ukrainian civilians impacted by this grueling, brutal war.

Despite ongoing battles and attacks on Ukrainian cities, many volunteers took time to rest and connect with their families last week in observance of the New Year’s holiday. However, they also delivered plenty of aid to those in need and held celebrations for children affected by the war.

This holiday season has come in the midst of brutal bombings and power outages in Ukraine. Our volunteers have been affected, but have continued their work, including holding holiday events with special gifts and activities for children, to brighten their harsh winter.

Thanks to your generosity, we have now reached 65% of our $75,000 year-end match goal. Every dollar donated continues to be matched, doubling its impact and allowing our volunteers to respond quickly to urgent needs like water delivery, firewood, evacuations, and emergency aid. If you are able, this is a great time to donate to UTC, or to spread the word about our work.

Last week, Russian attacks on the energy infrastructure in southern Ukraine left Odesa, Kherson and other cities without power. Odesa experienced a real water shortage. Multi-hour queues formed near Odesan water distribution centers. Our Dnipro volunteers responded.

As the year draws to a close, we delve deeper into the makeup and daily work of one of our Ukrainian volunteer teams — the people who perform the often routine tasks with dedication and heart that form the foundation of our trust.

Thanks to generous sponsors, this year we are again offering a Match Drive. Through the end of the year, every donation will be matched until we reach $75,000. This money will help us deliver essential aid, dig wells for drinking water, and evacuate people from dangerous areas. Please donate to help us reach the finish line, and forward this newsletter to your network.

The people of the Donbas, who are living under threat, who have survived all this time despite Russia's indiscriminate bombings, are now horrified at the thought of being abandoned to Russian control. Giving them up would be a betrayal, and would expose Ukraine and Europe to an even more devastating future. We pray that the United States can hold on to its moral compass, standing with those who fight for their freedom against tyranny.

Inna’s team has started delivering firewood to remote villages of the Kharkiv Region. The volunteers encounter many challenges in their work of providing fuel to these remote areas along hazardous roads. One driver almost didn’t make it.

Ukraine is experiencing a growing electricity shortage, due to indiscriminate Russian airstrikes on civilian infrastructure. Many Ukrainians are facing a winter with no electricity and no heat. Providing generators and firewood will be crucial in the coming months.

The war destroys not only homes, but cultural artifcats and people’s life work. Volunteer Vasiliy recently evacuated 20 unique paintings by a local artist from Druzhkivka. Now there is hope of the paintings being preserved for future generations.

Advanes in drone techonogy have expanded the gray zones around the active frontline. These are deadly areas where enemy drones can strike at any time. Last week, the ring road around Kharkiv was closed for the first time due to the detection of enemy FPV drones. Massive airstrikes continue to pummel the city. The rising tensions have caused a renewed surge in evacuations.