Vatican City: As Ukraine struggles through another freezing winter amid ongoing war, Pope Leo XIV has stepped forward with concrete support for people affected by power cuts and bitter cold.
Responding to appeals from Ukrainian bishops and the damage caused by renewed attacks on energy infrastructure, the Pope has arranged the delivery of 80 electricity generators along with large quantities of medicine and food. The aid was organised through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, following the Pope’s appeal for Ukraine during the General Audience on February 4.
Three lorries carrying the generators, medicines and essential supplies left Rome from the Basilica of Saint Sophia, the church of Ukrainians in Italy. They have already reached Fastiv and Kyiv, areas that have been badly affected by recent strikes.
Ukraine is facing extremely low temperatures, with nights dropping to minus 15 degrees Celsius and daytime temperatures remaining well below zero. Many families have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in heated shelters. The generators now allow these shelters to stay warm and provide hot meals to those who have fled the cold and darkness.
Alongside the generators, thousands of medicines have been delivered, including antibiotics, anti inflammatory drugs, supplements and melatonin. Aid workers say melatonin is in high demand as many people struggle to sleep due to fear, stress and constant uncertainty.
The assistance comes at a time when fighting continues in several regions, including Odessa and Kharkiv. Reports of civilian deaths, including children, underline the heavy human cost of the conflict, now entering its fourth year.
The Dicastery for the Service of Charity, led by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, has also announced that another lorry is being prepared. It will carry more antibiotics, medicines for chronic illnesses and food supplies. Once inside Ukraine, distribution is coordinated through parish networks across different dioceses.
The Vatican has expressed gratitude to all those who made the aid possible, including the Banco Farmaceutico, pharmaceutical companies, private donors and international partners. Cardinal Krajewski said the Pope wishes to thank all people of goodwill who continue to stand with those suffering from war.
For many Ukrainians facing freezing temperatures and ongoing violence, these gestures of solidarity are offering warmth, relief and a reminder that they are not forgotten.