The targeted attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in particular have massively exacerbated the humanitarian situation this winter. Recent reports show that at times almost 4,000 households in Kiev had to endure the bitter cold without electricity or heating. The situation is also tense in the partner district of Lviv in the west of the country, with power cuts occurring time and again. District Administrator Frank John is following these developments with great concern and emphasises the deep solidarity of the Saarpfalz district. He emphasises that the connection to Lviv has grown steadily over the past four years and goes far beyond a formal partnership. The cooperation is a symbol of standing together in difficult times and sharing the hope that the violence will end soon.
Since the start of the war, numerous aid transports have been organised, donations collected and refugees taken in by the district. Their protection status was recently officially extended until March 2027 by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs (BMI). In order to make this aid more effective and adapted to the current circumstances, European Commissioner Dr Violetta Frys explored new possibilities for support during the recent German-Ukrainian Partnership Conference in Münster. At the same time, the district's Women's Office is working in cooperation with the European Office to deliver orthopaedic donations to Ukraine and alleviate the suffering of the wounded and disabled. The Women's Office, headed by Women's Representative Dr Susanne Nimmesgern, has organised a major fundraising campaign for this purpose.
Despite the dramatic circumstances, District Administrator Frank John sees the resilience of the people in Lviv as a strong sign of hope.
"We support where we can, but the most important help remains the prospect of a just peace," said the District Administrator.