Acute humanitarian crisis: warmth and energy for Ukraine
Our colleagues in Ukraine are sounding the alarm. On the front line around Zaporizhzhia, the situation is critical. As the country endures its harshest winter on record, heating and electricity infrastructure continues to be targeted by attacks.
Millions of people are without heating, electricity or water, with temperatures dropping as low as –20°C. Older people, people with disabilities and families with young children are especially struggling to cope.
Dorcas is already on the ground and able to provide immediate assistance. Together, we can scale up this support and save lives. Specifically, we are providing these people with a warmth and energy kit, consisting of:
- 1 × mini portable gas stove with gas cartridges for 3 months.
- 1 × rechargeable torch.
- 1 × thermal blanket.
- 1 × sleeping bag suitable for extreme cold.
- 1 × power bank.
- 1 × thermos flask.
Donate today and our colleagues will take action immediately.
Your support is needed!
With a financial donation, support can be provided to ensure that people in Ukraine have heat and energy this winter.
Four years of full-scale conflict
Today marks the fourth anniversary of the start of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine. Throughout this time, Dorcas has remained committed in supporting those in need.
In Zaporizhzhia, near the frontline, our team continues to respond to urgent needs while adapting to the ever-changing situation. This includes:
- Providing mental health and psychosocial support.
- Repairing damaged homes.
- Making home visits and offering practical assistance.
- Distributing essential items, such as hygiene kits and emergency warmth and energy kits.
February 24, 2026
Project participants in Zaporizhzhia receiving the emergency kits
Emergency kits
Our team in Ukraine is working hard to distribute warmth and energy kits to people in need on the front line in Zaporizhzhia.
The photo shows the items that are being distributed to ensure that our project participants can stay warm, cook a hot meal and charge their phones amid constant power outages.
February 23, 2026
The day-to-day reality for people in Zaporizhzhia
'The front line is just 20 kilometres away, and people are facing the harsh reality of daily drone and missile strikes', says Simon Harris, Director of Programmes at Dorcas Ukraine. 'With temperatures dropping to -20°C, many families are enduring long periods without heating or electricity. In towns and villages closer to the front line, entire communities now rely solely on solid fuel as power lines have been destroyed.'
'This winter is far more severe than previous years. The intensified targeting of energy infrastructure is making daily life almost unmanageable. Amidst constant fear and uncertainty, the most pressing challenges faced by people is to stay warm and securing access to energy for basic needs such as cooking and lighting.'
Simon continues: 'For older people, people living with disabilities, and young children, the cold is life-threatening. Daily routines have collapsed: businesses cannot function, students cannot study and essential services fail when the power goes out. Imagine a situation of total loss of all elements of normal life – heating, lighting, internet, lifts, shops, ATMs – with missile and drone attacks continuing day and night.'
'This is the situation many people in Zaporizhzhia face today.'
February 11, 2026
Supporting communities on the front line
Despite daily shelling and drone attacks, the Dorcas team in Ukraine is providing essential humanitarian support close to the front line. The current freezing temperatures and frequent electricity outages are particularly affecting older people, families with young children, and people with disabilities. We support them by providing warmth and energy kits so they can cook, stay warm and keep in touch during these harsh conditions.
February 10, 2026
A word of appreciation from our Country Director
Ferenc Katko - Country Director
During these winter months, as we face freezing temperatures and ongoing blackouts, your solidarity means more than ever. The situation remains extremely difficult, especially in the frontline areas, where families are struggling with damaged homes, limited electricity and constant insecurity.
Despite these challenges, we continue to provide emergency assistance, heating support, repairs and psychosocial support to those most affected. Your actions, prayers, donations and commitment truly make a difference. Because of this support, we are able to reach families in vulnerable situations and help them stay warm, safe and hopeful during these very hard times.
Thank you for standing with Dorcas Ukraine. Your continued support is deeply appreciated.
February 9, 2026
Living through darkness and cold
The electricity goes out often, sometimes for many hours a day. The radiators barely give any warmth, and the old windows let the freezing air in. I cover the gaps with blankets and wear several layers of clothing just to stay warm.
Because of the ongoing attacks, I have had to move five times already. Each time I try to settle, the situation forces me to start again somewhere else. It is exhausting at my age. “I have forgotten how to smile. With the current situation, I have no peace in my old age.”
Still, I try to hold on. I read books when there is light, and I am grateful for my children who support me whenever they can. But the cold, the darkness and the uncertainty weigh heavily on me. No one should have to face their final years like this.
Ivan (90) - Project participant from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
February 9, 2026
Bitter cold, blackouts and shelling
Our colleagues in Ukraine have expressed severe concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Bohdan, Security Officer at Dorcas Ukraine, says: 'There are many damaged houses and apartment buildings that have become uninhabitable due to the shelling. The attacks make it unsafe to go outside. Essential services, such as electricity, frequently fail, often for more than ten hours a day.'
He adds: 'Older people are finding it particularly hard to cope with the icy conditions due to constant insecurity and limited mobility.'
'Support is urgently needed to ensure the safety and health of those on the front line.'
February 7, 2026
Emergency kits
The ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure leave families in freezing homes, struggling to cook, stay warm or stay connected. That is why Dorcas is distributing emergency kits to people in need. Each kit contains essential items to help retain warmth and energy, including a portable gas stove, an insulated blanket, a winter-proof sleeping bag, a rechargeable torch, a mobile power bank and a thermos flask. Everything is designed to be portable, in case people are forced to flee at a moment’s notice.
February 6, 2026
People face life-threatening conditions
Across large parts of Ukraine, especially in frontline areas near Zaporizhzhia, electricity and heating fail on a structural basis. In the city itself, only 20 kilometres from the front line, power cuts of more than 16 hours a day have become normal. Without electricity and telecom connections, people cannot reach family members or emergency services, and essential needs such as heating and light become inaccessible.
Older people living alone or those with limited mobility face acutely life-threatening conditions as temperatures continue to fall.
To support them endure this harsh winter, Dorcas provides warmth and energy kits containing practical items that make an immediate difference. These kits enable people to cook, stay warm and maintain vital communication when it matters most.
February 5, 2026
'The cold gives me no rest. It drains me physically and mentally.
Cooking or washing becomes a real challenge when it is this cold indoors. We sleep wearing several layers of clothing and under two blankets.'
- Project participant from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
