As long as the war is going on, all cities, towns near the frontline are in the danger zone. And Lyman, a city which we visited for the third time already, is a prominent example of that. Those Lymanians who have stayed in their ruined homes are trying to survive: there are no jobs, and humanitarian aid has been significantly reduced or often does not meet people’s actual needs. Meanwhile, the frontline is barely moving and remains right next to the city, which is why there is hardly any reconstruction work being done here. And the citizens are facing the prospect of another winter.

To provide Lyman residents with the things they actually need, we have established connections with local community representatives who represent neighborhoods and specific streets. They send us requests, and we try to fulfill them. During our first trip in February 2022, it was mostly warm clothes. During our second trip, we tried to fulfill requests related to heating and cooking.

This time we took electric appliances. More than fifty residents of Lyman received heaters, electric kettles, electric cookers, lamps, power banks, and even a few semi-automatic washing machines. In addition, we’ve bought bed linens, blankets and pillows, gas canisters, frying pans and pots. We also brought some blood pressure monitors and glucose monitors for elderly residents.

Education centers received 20 laptops provided to us by the international initiative Labdoo.org. And the local hospital received medicine for free-of-charge distribution.

On our way to Lyman, we visited Izium and brought a bag of cat food for a woman who has adopted many abandoned pets from the streets. Right now she takes care of 11 cats.

Each mission of the Solidarity Collectives costs about $3,000. So we’re grateful to everyone who joins our fundraisers and spreads information about our work. Please support us.