In Poland, the charity initiative “Warmth from Poland for Kyiv” has already raised over 1 million zlotys (more than $276,000) to purchase generators for the Ukrainian capital. The fundraiser was organized on a volunteer platform to help Kyiv, which faces a potential humanitarian crisis due to the impact of Russian strikes on the city’s power system.
The initiative began around January 15. Organizers urged the public to support the fundraiser, as nighttime temperatures in Kyiv reach -17°C, and most residents remain without electricity and heating. The goal of the campaign is to purchase and deliver 100 generators to the city, which will help heat spaces where elderly people and children are staying, as well as boil water.
“Every dollar or euro brings us closer to sending this lifesaving equipment. For us, it’s a gesture of support, and for them, a real chance to survive this winter,” the organizers said.
Strong Support from Polish Society
The fundraiser was jointly organized by several civic organizations, including Euromaidan-Warsaw, Democracy Foundation, Sestry.eu, and others. In just three days, nearly 9,700 people donated, raising over 1.2 million zlotys (almost $331,000).
The response from the Polish public exceeded organizers’ expectations, so they increased the fundraising target to 2 million zlotys (nearly $553,000) to buy even more generators, sleeping bags, and fuel.
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, thanked all Poles who contributed:
“Our heartfelt gratitude to all Poles who supported the fundraiser for Kyiv. In the current difficult situation, this help is extremely important and will truly save lives. Thank you to everyone and every organization involved for their solidarity, responsibility, and genuine partnership.”
Context: Threat to Kyiv’s Power System
Following a massive Russian strike on the capital’s energy infrastructure on January 9, Kyiv continues to experience emergency power outages. Over 100 buildings remain without heating.
The government has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector to mobilize resources, speed up repairs, and gain more flexibility in responding to the crisis.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate Oleh Ivashchenko warned of possible new attacks on infrastructure, including substations serving Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
Conclusion
The fundraiser in Poland demonstrates strong solidarity from the international community and a rapid public response to the humanitarian crisis in Kyiv. Thanks to donor support, Ukrainian families will gain access to critically needed heat and electricity during the winter freeze, and organizers plan to expand the program to help even more people.
