Surviving the Winter Despite the War: Financial Support for the Most Vulnerable

“My whole family died – my wife, my son… I was left alone. I didn’t know how to survive the winter: where to get firewood, how to pay for gas, or how to buy medicine. The temperature in the house was only 12 degrees; I slept under three blankets. Thanks to this support, I was able to order firewood and pay for gas. And, you know, even that depressing state that had been haunting me seemed to fade, because I felt that I wasn’t alone,” shares Viktor.

Viktor is a pensioner from the town of Vorozhba, located just 7 km from the border with the aggressor state. He has lived and worked in his hometown all his life and lost his wife and son in 2020. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, constant shelling, fear for his life, and emotional distress led to a serious illness. Viktor was diagnosed with cancer and received a group 3 disability.

Thanks to the winter cash assistance provided by our partner, the British Red Cross, Viktor was able to buy firewood, pay for utilities, and purchase much-needed medicines to maintain his health.

The Ukrainian Red Cross is all about support – about the reassurance that you are not alone in your struggles. Loneliness in difficult times is especially acute, and for older adults, it can be a real challenge.

We continue to support those who need it most, assisting them through the challenges of war. We stand by those in need!