By Anastasiia Shelukhina, LHI Ukraine Partnership Manager
With plummeting temperatures and dwindling resources, survival in frontline villages throughout Ukraine’s Donetsk region grows increasingly desperate. These communities are cut off from the world—bridges and infrastructure have been destroyed, government aid is an empty promise, and most NGOs have abandoned the area, leaving these villages to endure the worst of the war. Russian forces loom ever closer, threatening to engulf what remains of their homes and lives.
Yet, even in these dire circumstances, our team, Ordinary People, refuses to abandon them. Braving extraordinary dangers, they deliver coal, winter shoes, and blankets—lifesaving provisions for a brutal winter. In this journal, LHI Ukraine Partnership Manager, Anastasiia Shelukhina, recounts a mission to the villages of Yalta and Myrne, where the team faced dire challenges to reach those who need help the most.
Anastasiia with Tetiana, Ordinary People’s SMM specialist.
Day 1: December 19, 2024—Yalta Village, Donetsk Region
With a mix of anticipation and anxiety, we began our first winterisation project of the season early in the morning. Questions plagued our minds: Would there be enough coal and shoes for everyone? Would the bags remain intact? Would we face issues at the checkpoints?
Our first stop was at the house of the local coordinator, Nataliia. She greeted us warmly and showed us her chickens and pigs. Her voice trembled and tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke of the possibility of leaving them behind.
Outside, people were already gathered, waiting patiently to receive their coal. Ordinary People’s team members, Oleg and Yurii, jumped in to help unload the bags—each one weighed 25 kilograms. They came up with a clever idea to use a beam to lower the heavy sacks. It worked perfectly, and soon everyone was pitching in to help.
Meanwhile, I spoke with a local woman who told me that Yalta village has had no electricity or gas since early December. The government keeps promising electricity, but people don’t believe it will come anytime soon. The latest government commitment— an aid delivery by January 3rd—was met with skepticism.
Sudden machine gun fire in the distance reminded us to hurry. Coal was dumped straight onto the ground, and the villagers worked together like a well-oiled machine, hauling the heavy bags and receiving their shoes.
We met a young boy among the villagers.
Among the villagers, we spotted a child. We couldn’t leave without giving him a small gift—a blanket and a school bag—and it sparked a moment of joy despite the looming danger.
As we drove away, the sky lit up with the most stunning sunset. It felt like the perfect way to end a challenging but fulfilling day. We made a difference, and that’s what mattered most.
Day 2: December 20, 2024—Yalta Village, Donetsk Region
The bridge used to reach rural villages in Eastern Ukraine.
We woke up to alarming news: the bridge we crossed yesterday was damaged and mined overnight. The realization hit hard—if we had been delayed by just one day, we wouldn’t have been able to deliver coal to the people in Yalta. With no choice but to adapt, we found an alternative route to Yalta and pressed on.
Oleh distributing warm hugs and blankets to the elderly residents of Yalta.
This time, our focus was on distributing food kits and blankets to elderly individuals. It was also a chance to check the coal’s quality, talk to people, and see their living conditions. Despite their poverty, one thing stood out—every house and yard was clean and tidy.
A man gratefully shared that “One bucket [of coal] lasts almost the whole night.” The villagers’ appreciation was overwhelming, and some even said, “This is too much.” My response was simple: “Take it—no one knows when we’ll be able to return.”
Midway through the day, the White Angels—an evacuation and paramedics team from the Donetsk Regional Police—received troubling news. Another bridge near Andriivka was destroyed. Despite the tense atmosphere, we quickly managed to visit four more houses, ensuring everyone received their supplies.
Day 3: December 21, 2024—Myrne Village, Donetsk Region
With the bridge situation unresolved, we shifted our efforts to Myrne village. This time, we prepared for our largest distribution thus far—21 tonnes of coal, or 10 bags for each family. When we arrived, people were already gathered and waiting patiently.
Yuri, Anastasiia, and Oleh with a resident of Myrne village.
Two amazing coordinators, Nadiia and Lidiia, were there to assist, keeping the mood light with jokes. One man had the brilliant idea to divide the 10 bags into smaller amounts for easier handling. The system worked perfectly, and everyone waited calmly in the queue.
The villagers were incredibly welcoming. They offered us candies and coffee, and their open, talkative nature lightened the load of a heavy day. By the end of the distribution, we felt a deep sense of accomplishment.
Vira and Galyna are two friends who live near Myrne village. They helped with coordination.
That same evening, we packed up and headed back to Kharkiv, reflecting on another successful mission. But, as we looked back on the day’s events, it was impossible to ignore the growing difficulties—the lack of electricity and gas, and the uncertainty about when or if help will come again.
The villages we visited are becoming isolated, both physically and in spirit. The damaged bridges are more than just logistical challenges; they are a stark reminder of the broken connection between these communities and the outside world. Every delay in delivering aid, every empty promise from officials, and every broken piece of infrastructure pushes them closer to despair. Despite everything, the people we met showed incredible strength. They keep their homes clean, work together, and find ways to stay hopeful.
As we drove back to Kharkiv, we couldn’t help but think about how important it is to keep supporting these villages. Even though the roads are difficult, we must return and remind them that they are not forgotten.
Thank you to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their charity organization, Latter-day Saint Charities Australia (LDSCA), for their generous support of this winterization mission.
