Ukrainians in Italy launch campaign to support Ukraine in response to urgent UWC appeal

The Ukrainian community in Italy on Jan. 21-31 is running a charity campaign titled “SOS — Warm Ukraine,” which was launched in response to an urgent appeal from the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) and Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry to support the country amid extreme freezing darkness and ongoing Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.

The campaign is held under the patronage of the Ukrainian embassy in Italy and seeks to assist civilians who have been affected by the widespread energy crisis.

Within the first few hours, the Network Associazioni per Ucraina (NAU), an associated UWC member in Italy, raised 12,000 euros ($14,000), the organizers reported. 

The campaign’s goal is to collect at least 100,000 euros ($117,159) to purchase and deliver power generators and batteries to Ukraine, ensuring electricity, heating, and essential services in the hardest-hit regions.

The initiative by Italian-Ukrainian organizations is a direct response to the UWC’s international fundraising drive, following another wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system. The UWC said that in severe winter conditions, these attacks plunge millions into freezing darkness, effectively turning winter into a tool of war against civilians.

According to Ukrainian authorities, entire cities, hospitals, schools, and residential buildings are without power and heating. In Kyiv alone, over 1 million residents, including thousands in high-rise buildings, remain without stable heating, while emergency outages continue across most regions. 

Energy workers operate around the clock, often under threat of repeated attacks.

Campaign organizers are displaying full transparency by managing all procurement and logistics for the equipment themselves. Donations are being collected through the WhyDonate platform at the following link.

The initiative brings together Associazione Liberi Oltre le Illusioni APS, NAU, Lilea APS, EUcraina, and journalist Vladislav Maistriuk.

This international fundraising effort continues the Energize Ukraine campaign, which unites Ukrainian communities and partners worldwide to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience.

Organizers urge both the Ukrainian community in Italy and Italian society at large to join the campaign, emphasizing that every contribution provides heat for homes, electricity for hospitals, and a vital chance to save lives during war and winter.

More information on the UWC appeal can be found here.