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Summary for: Czech charities prepare Ukraine winter aid as energy outages threaten homesCzech humanitarian organizations are preparing winter aid for Ukraine focused on power outages and their consequences for heating, drinking water and essential services.
ADRA, People in Need, Caritas Czech Republic and Koridor UA told the Czech News Agency they expect further attacks on energy networks and other civilian infrastructure as winter approaches. Their plans include generators, fuel assistance, emergency housing repairs and support for underground schools.
Security risks are already affecting aid operations. ADRA has suspended its activities in the Donetsk region, although its assistance continues elsewhere in Ukraine. People in Need said it currently intends to maintain assistance in the region while continually assessing conditions.
Keeping households warm and schools running
People in Need will prioritize vulnerable households close to the front line, providing financial assistance for heating and solid fuels, emergency shelter repairs and essential winter supplies.
The organization also plans to support infrastructure and basic services in areas affected by attacks on energy facilities. Its representative in Ukraine, Aljona Budagovská, said operations are being adapted to protect staff and recipients, including through cooperation with local partners.
ADRA warned that repeated electricity outages threaten access to both heating and water. Its Czech branch is working with Ukrainian and German colleagues to provide drinking water, food assistance, psychosocial support and legal advice.
Education is another priority. Caritas Czech Republic has helped fund two generators for underground schools in Kharkiv through its Ukraine appeal. Further fundraising will support equipment for additional underground learning spaces so children can study in safer, heated surroundings.
The charity is also continuing psychological support in western Ukraine, including renovations to a mental health center for children and adolescents in Lviv.
Meanwhile, the Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc is preparing a third round of its Light and Heat for Ukraine project. It provides generators, charging stations and large-capacity tents where people can warm up or charge their phones during outages.
Aid group warns of border delays
Koridor UA plans to deliver gas heaters, generators, portable battery stations, power banks, electric blankets, thermoses and hygiene supplies.
“We expect a really harsh winter,” said Alena Buksová, the organization’s director of resources. She said increasingly intensive Russian attacks since late August were making daily life difficult even before freezing weather arrived.
The organization also reported a new logistical obstacle Thursday, saying Ukraine had removed priority border treatment for humanitarian vehicles without warning.
According to Koridor UA, empty trucks returning after delivering aid now face waits of six to 10 days to leave Ukraine. The organization said the change had affected vehicles since Monday and that no public explanation identified who had ordered it or why.
People wishing to support winter assistance can contribute through the official appeals run by People in Need, Caritas Czech Republic, ADRA and Koridor UA.
