Russia illegally annexes four regions, and the Ukrainians are simultaneously reclaiming small towns and villages within the regions – including the important strategic town of Lyman, which has a rail supply hub. Sadly, at another important piece of railway infrastructure, a woman is killed in her duties looking after a sub-station that powers part of the rail network.
Throughout all these changes the people of Ukraine are persevering. We are so proud of them and continue to give financial support to our partners in Ukraine who work so hard and bravely, providing humanitarian Christian solidarity and support according to the needs of each local area. We were also pleased to support the installation of a new well, led by Samaritan’s Purse, to an area in the Donetsk Region that had very nearly run out of drinking water.
As we see the images from our partners on the ground and media reports from settlements re-taken by Ukraine what do we see? Towns and villages where the populous has dramatically shrunk. Men were called up to fulfil military and civic duties, joined also by young women able to lend their not-inconsiderable talents and determination. Mothers, children, grandmothers and great grandmothers fled where they could, part of about 6.9 million Ukrainian refugees.
What next? Some residents in those towns and villages said they didn’t care who had control if they had peace and stability. They are shocked by the sights of friends and neighbours killed and want to live in a place where there are opportunities for work and where young people and families will come back. For this they need the infrastructure to be re-built, providing fresh water, power, houses, schools, shops, medical centres, repaired and safe roads to travel on.
DHM is forward looking. We are beginning to imagine life for them without war and we will be asking our partners in Ukraine what their needs are for re-building the communities the are being liberated. This will be a long journey, especially since those called up to serve in the armed forces and other civic duties will not be released until the war is won, but it is one that we prayerfully believe will be realised.
Mark Elliott (Retired professor of European & Russian History) reported that around 77% of displaced adults have completed technical or university degrees and that the number of displaced people would have been higher were it not for nearly 3.8 million who have already returned. The desire of Ukrainians is to return to their homes and DHM is committed to working with our partners on the ground to support their efforts to rebuild communities.
Right now, the battles still rage, lives are being lost and the extraordinary efforts of the people to persevere and overcome continue. They still need our financial support, so thank you for donating to DHM, and we confirm again that monies raised go directly to trusted partners in Ukraine.
Rev. Roger Martin (Vice-Chair of Trustees)
