Cologne/Lviv. The third winter of war in Ukraine threatens to be particularly harsh for the population. Temperatures have already dropped significantly. After almost three years of war, many houses no longer have functioning heating systems and windows have been destroyed. The power grid is under heavy attack. “Attacks on Ukraine have increased distinctly in recent days. It is important now, at the beginning of winter, to support people while temperatures continue to fall. We are now starting to distribute so-called winter kits, i.e. heating material, blankets, thermos flasks and flashlights, through our various local partner organizations. In the coming months, we plan to distribute food for the elderly and for people with disabilities in the evacuation centers,” says Lisa Schönmeier, Head of Malteser International's Ukraine Department.
In addition, Malteser International staff distribute hygiene products and provide psychological support. “For the more than 80,000 people we are reaching, our support is also important psychologically – especially in the eastern regions such as Sumy and Kharkiv, where the attacks currently continue to increase. They see that we are still by their side, that we do not leave them alone.”
Malteser International has been supporting people in Ukraine since 2015. Initially with a focus on psychosocial services. In 2022, the aid was expanded.
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Lisa Schönmeier, Head of the Ukraine Department at Malteser International, is available for interviews and sound bites.
Contact: +49 (0)221 9822-7180, katharina.Kiecol@malteser-international.org
The people in Ukraine are in urgent need of donations.
Malteser Hilfsdienst e. V.
IBAN: DE10 3706 0120 1201 2000 12
S.W.I.F.T.: GENODED 1PA7
Keyword: ‘Ukraine’
