Нelp communities stay resilient this winter
Published: Dec 15, 2025 Reading time: 2 minutes Share: Share an articleThis winter may become the most difficult Ukraine has faced since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Russia has intensified its attacks on the energy infrastructure, leaving entire cities cold and in darkness. It is hard to imagine life in freezing temperatures without heating or water. We are continuing our support to communities and their residents, helping them endure, keep their homes warm, and preserve hope in their hearts.
In Zlatopil, in the Kharkiv Oblast, life is far from peaceful. Around 30,000 residents live alongside another 7,500 internally displaced people—those who were forced to flee their completely destroyed villages. Like many towns in Ukraine, Zlatopil has had to endure Russian aerial attacks upon its civil infrastructure.
“Just two weeks ago, our substation was attacked by eight drones. But thanks to our energy workers, we still have electricity, and our water and heating systems are running,” says Mayor Mykola Baksheiev.
The local utility company responsible for heating and water has also been targeted multiple times.
“Our enterprise has been hit by missiles three times, and some of our staff have been injured. Thankfully, everyone survived. Despite everything, we never stopped providing services,” says Mykhailo Cherniak, Director of the municipal heating company “Teplomerezhi.”
But the company’s equipment is old and worn out, and constant power outages compound their challenges. Water and heating are survival necessities—without them, surviving the winter would be nearly impossible. Knowing this, and acting to protect their fellow citizens, Teplomerezhi reached out to us for support. With the help of the Government of the Czech Republic and the American people, we provided modern equipment that will ensure a stable and reliable supply of heat and water.
“People in Need provided us with boiler pumps, water-softening systems, shut-off valves, and electrical devices that protect the pumps during unstable power supply and extend their lifespan several times. Almost everything has already been installed and is helping the people of the city,” adds Mykhailo Cherniak.
Through the efforts of Teplomerezhi and our colleagues, the residents of Zlatopil are meeting this winter with running water and warm homes. With our support, the city is better protected and more capable of withstanding challenges, even as attacks continue. And most importantly, people here feel they are not forgotten—this gives them the strength to keep going.
