Helping Ukrainians Survive Winter: Poland, Czechia and Slovakia Send Generators

26.01.2026

Ukraine is receiving new support from European partners to strengthen its energy system amid ongoing Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia are sending generators and backup power sources to Kyiv and other regions hit by Russia’s strikes.

Europeans help Ukrainians survive blackouts amid Russian energy attacks / Open sources
Europeans help Ukrainians survive blackouts amid Russian energy attacks / Open sources

Polish Aid for Kyiv

Kyiv received 130 generators of various capacities from Poland, the city’s mayor Vitali Klitschko said. The equipment will mainly support critical infrastructure and social facilities during the energy crisis.

The generators were purchased with funds raised through the charity campaign “Heat from Poland for Kyiv”, initiated by the Stand With Ukraine foundation. In just 10 days, about 60,000 Polish citizens donated 8 million zlotys, roughly 80 million hryvnias (around $2 million). The campaign continues, with a target of 100 million hryvnias (about $2.5 million).

The city received diesel generators ranging from 12 to 600 kW, with a total capacity of 2,376 kW. According to Klitschko, the first batch arrived on January 26. The next shipment, along with an additional 90 generators from Warsaw, is expected soon.

Authorities plan to use some of the generators to power heating plants, pumping stations, and other critical infrastructure. Later, generators will also go to other regions, including Kharkiv and Sumy.

Kyiv received 130 generators of various capacities from Poland / Open sources
Kyiv received 130 generators of various capacities from Poland / Open sources

Czech Initiative: Generators and Batteries

Czechia continues to support Ukraine’s energy sector amid Russian attacks, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported.

The volunteer initiative “Dárek pro Putina” raised over $3.8 million (about 80 million Czech crowns) in just a few days. The funds are being used to buy high-capacity generators and industrial batteries for Kyiv to keep pumping stations and heating plants running in blackout-affected areas.

Some equipment is already on its way to Ukraine. In addition to Kyiv, Kharkiv will also receive assistance. Next week, the city will get 49 generators for hospitals, maternity wards, and social facilities. Kyiv region will also receive 40 battery stations and 1,500 extension cords for “Points of Invincibility”.

Moreover, the Czech government allocated $500,000 for generators for the frontline Dnipropetrovsk region. The equipment is expected to be purchased and delivered by the end of the week, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliya Svyrydenko said. Czech President also noted that local energy companies can join the support effort.

A tent for a humanitarian aid point, where residents can warm up, charge their devices, receive hot drinks and psychological support, is set up in front of an apartment building during a power outage in Kyiv, January 12, 2026. Photo: Reuters
A tent for a humanitarian aid point, where residents can warm up, charge their devices, receive hot drinks and psychological support, is set up in front of an apartment building during a power outage in Kyiv, January 12, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Slovakia Launches “Heat for Ukraine” Campaign

Slovakia joined the effort to help Ukraine’s energy sector during a new wave of Russian attacks. The country launched a public campaign called “Heat for Ukraine”, led by the Ukrainian Embassy in collaboration with local humanitarian and civic organizations.

The campaign aims to raise €500,000 to purchase generators and backup power sources. The equipment will go to regions most affected by the attacks, including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Sumy, and Sumy region.

Organizers highlight that frequent Russian strikes have left Ukraine’s energy system in a severe shortage. Each new attack makes restoring electricity and heat more difficult, especially during winter.

The collection involves several Slovak organizations, including Donio, Nadácia Integra, Post Bellum SK, Mier Ukrajine, Človek v ohrození, Nadácia Pontis, and others. The public campaign is open on the Donio platform.

Conclusion

Frequent Russian attacks have caused a critical electricity shortage in Ukraine. International support in the form of generators, batteries, and backup power remains vital for hospitals, schools, social facilities, and residential buildings. Thanks to Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia, Ukrainian regions receive the resources needed to stabilize the energy system, maintain heat and light during repeated attacks, and prepare for possible blackouts. This fast and coordinated aid shows international solidarity and provides essential protection and comfort for citizens during the winter season.

Author: Alina Ohanezova | View all publications by the author