The Third Christmas of the War.


I remember when we first went to Ukraine, we thought we'd better hurry up and get over there to help before the war finished, and there'd be nothing for us to do. How naïve were we?

The situation in Ukraine at present has got even worse, especially in the areas in close contact with the Russian forces, although with the constant Shahed and missile attacks nowhere is safe.

Kherson has become particularly difficult, and delivering aid there is a direct threat to life. Any vehicle or person can be targeted by Russian small killer drones. This week, a vehicle that is used to deliver aid that we have sometimes used, was attacked and badly damaged beyond repair. Miraculously, the driver, a person I know survived but suffered injuries.


 The occupants of a bus were not so fortunate. It was attacked, 3 people died and several more injured. It's really terrifying. 



What's really sick is that the Russian's then post on social media channels, the videos of the attacks taken by the drones. Russia repeatedly claims that the photos and videos are fake news. Photos from Kherson now often have "Kherson non fake" overlaid on them. Even the war for truth is now challenged. 

Humanitarian aid is now often delivered in Ukraine under the cover of darkness. And there's a lot of darkness, due to the attack by Russian forces on Ukrainian infrastructure. There are long periods without electricity and water. And with winter, it's really hard. I will paste the words of Annastasiia, my main contact, and immensely brave aid co-ordinator in Kherson.

"Good evening. After the latest massive attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, we had no electricity, water or heating in our homes for more than 2 days. Those people who have electric stoves to cook food couldn't even cook and were forced to go outside and cook food on a fire under shelling and drones dropping explosives, risking their lives.
there are 2 options: either stay at home and die of hunger or risk your life and cook on a fire, freezing and risking death from explosions. children could not study and many caught colds because the house was freezing because the heating pipes were cold.
We are always glad for any help because it prolongs our life. thank you for not forgetting us and taking care of our families. we pray for you and in dreams of a peaceful sky above our heads".
 
Nothing more to say really. All donations this time will go towards the children that Trawden help in Kherson.
I'd like to wish you all a good Christmas. And may the next year be a more peaceful one for all. Many thanks for your continued support.

To make a donation, please:
Open PayPal and, when asked for name of payee or email, enter trawden4ukraine@hotmail.com

Or, if you live in/near Trawden:
2. Use the Ukraine collection box in the community shop.




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