When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the world reacted with horror.
Westport reacted with donations: money, vital goods, help for children, and much more.
Spurred by brothers Brian Mayer and Marshall — Westport natives who founded Ukraine Aid International, a boots-on-the-ground non-profit that delivered needed supplies quickly and efficiently, in the most affected parts of the country — we became the first town in Connecticut to form a sister city relationship with Ukraine.
We were joined by Marigny-le-Lozon, our French sister city for 80 years, since the end of World War II.
In less than a month at Christmastime 2022, Westport raised over $250,000. Our friends in Lyman received (literally) tons of desperately needed goods.
Ukraine Aid International delivered communication equipment, police and trash vehicles, bulletproof vests for utility workers, and portable heaters. Funds from “06880” readers also paid for repairs to hundreds of apartments, plus meals, children’s gifts and more.
Holiday meals in Lyman, 2022.
A second effort brought in over $60,000, for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provided heat all winter long, to 1,000 Lyman residents.
Last year’s holiday drive helped send children from the town to a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains. Scattered around the country after evacuations, they reunited with friends and teachers.
For 10 days in winter and summer they hiked, played sports, did crafts and art therapy, enjoyed music, watchd movies, and had game nights.
They also took classes, and studied. Through Starlink, they talked to their parents online.
More than three years in, the war in Ukraine has faded from the headlines. But conditions in our sister city are more dire than ever.
Last week, UAI officials spoke with Lyman mayor Oleksander Zhuravliov. His update was both sobering and inspiring.
The town — in the Donetsk region — remains on the front line.
Drones, artillery and glide bombs strike daily. Civilians — elderly families, cars on the road, even mobile shops — are constantly targeted. Six fire trucks and a water carrier have been destroyed.
One scene of recent damage in Lyman …
Yet against all odds, 6,000 residents remain.
Children have been evacuated. Emergency crews and ordinary citizens hold the line.
It’s difficult. Just days ago, during the distribution of pensions in a nearby village, Russian shelling killed 24 elderly residents, and wounded 19 more.
… and another.
To keep Lyman’s community together, a new sister city partnership with Kremenchuk is underway.
The city has set aside 3 large buildings. They’ll be repurposed as housing for displaced families and the elderly; a rehabilitation hub for veterans, and a medical and social center for children
The project ensures that Lyman’s people remain connected and cared for, until they can return home.
Westport’s donated trash trucks helped restore life after de-occupation, and have been pulled away further from the front lines.
The UAI pellet production line that keeps residents warm in winter may need to be moved again, so it continues to provide heat for the people of Lyman and Donetsk Oblast.
Grateful for a portable stove.
UAI is in constant contact with Lyman leadership, offering aid and support after every devastating attack.
Lyman feels emptier with its children spread across safer regions of Ukraine. But even in exile, they continue their studies online. They proudly report they have already earned 13 national medals.
For the past 3 Christmases, UAI has brought presents to the children of Lyman, in partnership with Westport and Marigny.
This year the tradition will continue, with gifts distributed across Ukraine.
Contributions made now will help immeasurably. Click here to donate online, and for information on checks, Venmo, Patreon and wire transfer.
Under the “Support for” dropdown menu. choose “Lyman.”
Ukraine Aid International — and our friends in our sister city of Lyman — thank you!
Many people in the world did Not act in horror when Russia invaded Ukraine. I don’t think that’s accurate. I see a USA population that does not support Ukraine and their democratic values. Didn’t Trump blame Ukraine for starting the war ? Many republican leaders do not want to provide funding to Ukraine. When you write about the slaughter upon the Ukrainian people is it not important to articulate that the USA has essentially abandoned its support to Ukraine and permitting Russia to slaughter civilians?
Thank you Dan for always reminding Westporter’s that their help is needed and appreciated. You have been steadfast in connecting the dots especially with Marigny-le-Lozon, our French sister city for 80 years, since the end of World War II.
Evidence that Westporter’s generosity is never forgotten and reverberates around the world connecting us all. Glad to hear that Kremenchuk will be another sister city. I travelled there last October and saw first hand how grateful they were for the medical supplies brought.
With gratitude and appreciation for you, Dan, thank you for your part in saving lives in this senseless terrorism of Ukraine.
Slava Ukraine!
the USA has forgotten about Ukraine. The current USA government isn’t concerned and is very supportive of Putin and Russia. Dan does a great community service by publicizing Ukraine needs and our sister city needs. Thats a fly on the wall in regard to the issue.