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.

A village near Starovarvarivka, located more than 20 miles away from the frontline, has recenently suffered an FPV drone attack. In the past, villages that far away from the fighting were relatively safe, but technological advances have enabled the Russians to more effectively destroy civilian infrastructure, putting more and more people in mortal danger.

In a time when many people feel helpless in the face of ongoing war, mounting world problems, and toxic politics, it’s good to remember what a big difference one person can make. When Vladyslav’s team paused their water deliveries to Mykolaiv, his absence was most definitely noticed.

The situation in the Donbas continues to deteriorate. Recently, enemy diversion and reconnaissance groups have been spotted in Druzhkivka. Its power supply has been cut, and, starting this week, the curfew has been extended from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. of the following day. The tension is palpable, with many residents sensking that this may be the last moment for them to evacuate in an orderly fashion.

Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa – almost like clockwork, all the major cities came under massive attack last week, leaving dozens killed or injured. We’re deeply grateful that all our Ukrainian volunteers are safe for the moment.

The complexity, risk, and tension for our Urkainian teams working near the front lines keeps rising. The volunteers are somehow able to keep up with the evolution of these challenges, though it seems that their efforts come at ever greater personal cost.

The 184th newsletter documenting the work of Ukrainian volunteers for the week of Sep 8 - Sep 14. 

Last week marked a familiar trend, with Russia’s brutality reaching new highs. In their attack last Sunday, Russian forces deployed a record of 805 drones. At this point in the war it can be hard to be shocked by these numbers, but we must resist the tendency to normalize such inhumane attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population.