The distribution of fuel briquettes is ongoing in Putyvl as part of the project “Winterization support for vulnerable people in frontline at-risk hromadas of Sumy oblast”. For residents of frontline areas, this assistance is not just another humanitarian initiative — it is vital support that helps them survive the winter amid constant danger.
Sumy Oblast is subjected to daily shelling. Critical infrastructure is damaged again and again, and interruptions in electricity and gas supply have become a harsh reality for local residents. Under these conditions, preparing for the cold season turns into a real test of resilience, and every alternative source of heat can be crucial for protecting people’s health and lives.
This time, we would like to share the story of Olena, a resident of Putyvl. She lives in her own house together with her husband. Like many families in the community, the couple has found themselves in difficult circumstances: limited income, constant stress caused by the security situation, and regular problems with gas supply that occur almost after every shelling.
“Sometimes there is gas, sometimes there isn’t. After every explosion, you live in constant tension, not knowing whether you will be able to turn on the heating the next day,” Olena shares.
As winter approached, the sense of anxiety only intensified. The family constantly worried about how they would get through the cold months without stable access to gas. Purchasing solid fuel on their own was simply beyond their means.
“We were very worried about how we would heat our home. Buying fuel on our own was simply unrealistic for us,” the woman says.
At that moment, assistance in the form of fuel briquettes became a real lifeline for the family. They make it possible to heat the house even when gas supply is cut off for days or weeks, and they restore what matters most — a sense of safety, stability, and confidence in the future.
“These briquettes are exactly what we need. Now we know our home will be warm, even if there are gas problems again,” Olena says.
“We sincerely thank you for this support. In such difficult times, it means far more than it may seem at first glance.”
The project “Winterization and Support for Vulnerable People in Frontline Communities of Sumy Oblast” aims to help the most vulnerable households survive the winter in the context of war. Providing alternative sources of heating reduces health risks and helps families remain in their homes even under challenging security conditions.
The project is funded by the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund and implemented by Stabilization Support Services (SSS) in cooperation with the Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH).