By Balint Kosa | Project Manager of Ukraine Project
While the sub-zero temperatures continue in Hungary, Ukraine is also experiencing a much colder winter this year compared to last year. It is so cold that even near noon, the temperature is only minus 6 degrees Celsius, and large rivers as well as ponds and streams are frozen over.
And as usual, the fighting shows no sign of abating, and we are witnessing a situation where more and more adult males are disappearing. In small settlements, of course, but even in the streets these days, we are seeing fewer and fewer men other than children and the elderly, which indirectly suggests that the war situation is not very promising.
At the end of last year, we were informed that "some 500,000 Ukrainian soldiers have already been killed or disabled by fighting with Russia." (*) Due to this worsening war situation, the Ukrainian government has also issued bills for additional mobilization and expansion of the number of those eligible for conscription, and more emphasis has been placed on conscription since the beginning of this year.
Specifically, checkpoints have been set up on major roads in each city, and those who do not have documents exempting them from military service are forcibly taken away on the spot on a daily basis. As a result, not only is the number of people smuggled into neighboring countries increasing, but those who are able to escape try by any means possible, and many people lose their lives in the process. The risk of freezing to death is particularly high when escaping in the extreme cold of winter, and the number of missing persons is increasing daily.
Even in the areas of Eastern Hungary where we are assisting, there are people who are forced to live apart from their families because of the draft. We also heard that they have to limit their visits to their families back home because their sons are approaching the age for conscription.Current Situation of Refugees
The protracted war has caused soaring prices, job loss, and income loss, as well as class closures due to the increasing number of people moving out of the country. As people's zest for life is gradually being sapped, the number of people who turn to alcohol has increased compared to six months ago or last year.
Even in areas that have not been directly affected by bombings, the effects of the war are still felt in many aspects of daily life.
Although the future is not clear, Terra Renaissance, in cooperation with local charitable organizations, will continue to provide food, firewood, warm clothing, and other assistance to the elderly, those whose husbands and sons have been drafted into military service, those who have lost family members, and internally displaced persons to help them get through this harsh winter. Then, we will strive to support the people of Ukraine in the long term by building more soup kitchens, expanding the number of people to be served, and constructing comprehensive welfare facilities to help them rebuild their lives and improve their welfare.
We are able to deliver such stable support thanks to the help of all of you who always give us your warm support.
We hope that you will continue to watch over our activities and cooperate with us.
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