Ongoing missile barrages have continued targeting critical energy infrastructure across Ukraine since mid-November, leaving millions of people, including elderly, persons with disabilities and families with young children without electricity and heating. The attacks and related damage to infrastructure have also affected access to clean water, including in large cities such as Kyiv. Because of the extensive damage to critical infrastructure and consequent disruption to energy and heating in previously Russian-occupied areas, we are helping to evacuate residents who want to move from Kherson and Mykolaiv during the harsh winter months and Weatherman Foundation's winterization and medical-supply response continues to be a top priority -- made possible with your support.

One of the statistics that has moved us to action lately is this: Approximately 60,000 women are now serving in Ukraine's military forces, with more than 5,000 on the frontlines and in direct combat. These numbers show a massive surge of women voluntarily joining the military since the invasion earlier this year, with many frequently joining frontline units.

This rapid increase of women serving as combat medics and in direct combat roles happened while there has been little time or resourcing directly addressing the needs of those women on the front. They face everything from a lack of basic uniform items with women being issued men’s uniforms, boots, and oversized body armor -- which provides minimal protection -- to a desperate need for feminine hygiene products and women-specific medication.

Zemliachy "Compatriots" Ukrainian Front works tirelessly to meet those needs.

As our very own President, Dr. Meaghan Mobbs, and many of our staff are veterans, this cause is one we resonate with deeply.

We could not be prouder to support the NGO, Zemliachy, delivering a huge donation of supplies from our generous partners at the French Civil Protection (FNPC) Agency last week.


Watch the beautiful reception video here.

Vital items, such as feminine hygiene products, women-specific medicines, blankets, sleeping bags and supplies will continue to be sent to them in the coming months.

Read more about how they are working to support women on the frontlines by clicking here.

On Wednesday, November 23, the Tulcea Humanitarian Logistics Hub was honored to host representatives of the German Embassy in Romania, the City Administrations of Dortmund Germany and Mykolayiv, [top and left images] Rotary Club, Acor, and the Tulcea Civil Administration.

As part of the visit, we facilitated the handover of 10 vehicles (minivans, a tractor, a bus, trucks, car) [bottom images] and additional supplies, donated by Stadt Dortmund to the City of Mykolayiv in Ukraine. This donation is a direct result of our strengthening relationships with EU governments who have begun to use the Hub and our verified delivery mechanisms to bring in aid to Ukraine. Further partnerships are continuing to develop and we're honored to count Stadt Dortmund among our generous, donating partners!

A huge thank you to Mr. Ahmed Lundgren-Bekov, Ms. Cristina Molea, Mr. Martin van der Pütten, Mr. Aiko Wichmann and the people of Germany for their support to Ukraine!

Earlier this month, the city of Kherson was liberated from a nearly nine-month-long Russian occupation -- a major victory for Ukraine! But after months of bombardment, the city's infrastructure and supplies are down to bare bones: very little food, no running water, and complete lack of electricity and heat. Our operations team was able to conduct an immediate needs assessment and sent back requests within days of the liberation. Our team at the Tulcea Logistics Hub acted quickly, sending a truckload of aid worth over $2 million: food, vital medicines, medical supplies, hygiene supplies, blankets, sleeping bags, tarps, flashlights and more to the citizens of Kherson. Thanks to our partners on the ground in Kherson, the supplies are being distributed to clinics, shelters and families, and hundreds of patients in local hospitals have been given hope to survive.

The journey to deliver in Kherson was not easy, as most roads in this part of Ukraine are damaged and require driving large vehicles at a snail's pace, avoiding edges of potholes and craters caused by rocket fire. While unloading the delivery, one of our team members asked the truck driver how we could thank him for his time and services he said:

Courage and commitment like this from our drivers is one of the reasons we are able to continue supplying places most in-need like those pictured below. Your support is another reason we're able to deliver medicines and medical supplies, as it helps us cover the cost of both the trucks, as well as the fuel to get them to their destinations on time.

Our international partners at the Tulcea Hub were able to secure 156 hospitals beds this month! Those pictured [above], are now ready to be used by the team of medical professionals in Dnipro [below], allowing them to utilize a new hospital wing for more severe casualties to be treated. A huge thank you to the Romanian Honorary Consul in Dnipro [below, right], who has helped us connect to hospitals in-need!

Our newest Ukrainian NGO partners recieving aid from the Tulcea Humanitarian Logistics Hub include:
New Down Odesa, the Reunification Project in Kiev and Pokrov Kharkiv -- all of which are delivering aid to displaced families, particularly in villages and towns that were under occupation. Check out how your support is supporting the people of Ukraine, protecting the lives of children and putting smiles on faces. 

WATCH: A special thank you message from the Pokrov team delivering aid to Kharkiv, here.