It goes without saying that the Ukrainian nation continues to face a prolonged, war-inflicted humanitarian emergency affecting millions of lives. Russia continues to carry out sustained, hours-long missile and drone attacks, deliberately targeting civilian buildings and critical infrastructure.
Recently, the increased use of long-range weapons has left millions of Ukrainians without electricity, heating, water, and other essential services for extended periods. This escalation has resulted in a growing number of civilians killed or injured, and countless families forced from their homes.
Moreover, the number of Ukrainians unable to afford food or other basic necessities continues to rise. Among the most affected are internally displaced persons, families who have lost their breadwinners, large families, the unemployed, the elderly, people with disabilities, the homeless, and other vulnerable groups.
In response to these urgent needs, UETS continues its winterization ministry. The primary focus of the ministry has been the procurement and delivery of fuel for power generators, firewood, and other critical supplies necessary for warmth, basic household needs, and emergency resilience.
During December and January, up to 500 people in need, particularly internally displaced persons, the elderly, and people with disabilities, received assistance through UETS and its partners in various war-affected regions of Ukraine. This support included hot meals, food packages, medicines, and other essential aid.
In addition, UETS allocated a portion of its winterization budget to support several partner churches where UETS students and graduates serve vulnerable populations. These churches actively provide direct assistance, including hot meals, to the elderly, displaced persons, and families living in areas most affected by power outages. Through this network, winterization support reaches communities that are often difficult to access through other means.
Tibor Naimeti, UETS graduate and pastor of Living God Church in Mukachevo, shared the following testimony from one of the individuals who received support through the UETS Winterization Project:
“Liubov Korobko, 70, is an internally displaced person who fled from Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. She has been attending our church for approximately one year. Her son was seriously wounded while serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and has since acquired a disability. Despite these hardships, Liubov actively contributes by helping clean the church sanctuary and kitchen. Through the church, she participates in Christian fellowship and receives food supplies and hot meals. Her grandchildren attend our children’s day camps. She expresses sincere gratitude for the support she has received — both material and psychological. According to her, this support has helped her feel not alone, but valued and needed.”
We are grateful to God for the opportunity to continue serving our nation during this difficult time. We also extend our sincere gratitude to our partners who faithfully stand with us in this relief ministry to our fellow Ukrainians.