Life-Saving Generators Reach Vulnerable Children in Chernihiv Region

Kent With Ukraine has delivered nine generators to foster families and a family-type orphanage across the Chernihiv region, providing vital power to some of the most vulnerable children in Ukraine, as Russia continues its deliberate campaign against civilian energy infrastructure.

The generators were distributed today to families in the Menska, Sosnytska, Koryukivska, Ponornytska, Semenivska, and Kyyinska communities. In total, they will support eight foster families and one family-type orphanage, caring for 27 children, including 20 orphans and children deprived of parental care.

The initiative was delivered under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in November between the Chernihiv Regional State Administration and Kent With Ukraine, reflecting a deepening partnership focused on protecting children and sustaining community resilience through winter.

Stanislav Zhelezny, Deputy Head of the Children’s Service of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, welcomed the support:

"Given the difficult situation with power outages, one of the priorities of the regional state administration is to provide foster families and family-type orphanages with non-volatile power sources. We work closely with charitable organisations and international partners, and today we are grateful for the support of the British organisation Kent With Ukraine.”

For families on the ground, the impact is immediate and tangible. Svitlana Shugaliy, a foster mother from Sosnytsia, explained how power cuts had disrupted daily life and education:

“A generator is very necessary for our family. We have two children of our own and one foster child. When the power went out, we used a car battery, but it wasn’t enough for long. There were breaks in school and problems with lessons. Now the generator will help us stay connected and study properly.”

Svitlana Shugaliy, a foster mother from Sosnytsia, Chernihiv

A Rapid Winter Response From Kent and friends in London

The generators were purchased from Machine Mart Maidstone after Kent With Ukraine launched a rapid emergency campaign as temperatures in Chernihiv plunged below –25°C.

The appeal mobilised supporters across Kent, London and beyond, allowing the generators to be purchased within just five days of the campaign launch.

Significant traction was gained following the support and endorsement of Johnny Stonborough, author of Wild Field, which tells the story of Gytha of Wessex and her marriage to Vladimir of Chernihiv—a powerful reminder of the historic ties between England and the Chernihiv region.

Commenting on Johnny's support and endorsement Kent With Ukraine Founder Jordan Meade said:

"My sincere thanks to Johnny and the residents of Bradbourne Street. Without their generosity this urgent and rapid campaign would not have happened. The people of Ukraine are suffering tremendously at the moment and thanks to the success of this appeal we have been able to bring light and warmth to orphaned children in the far north of Ukraine. It is hard to put into words the difference these generators are going to make"

The generators departed Kent last week aboard a lorry also carrying medical and rescue equipment, along with hats, gloves, blankets, coats, and other winter essentials, all destined for distribution across the Chernihiv region.

Kent With Ukraine remains committed to standing with the people in the Chernihiv region and we are already planning our next mission to deliver humanitarian supplies.

In conclusion, Kent With Ukraine Founder Jordan Meade, who was in Chernihiv in mid-January, said:

“Back in January as temperatures in Chernihiv reached below –25°C, I saw for myself how Russia is freezing children as a tactic of war. Forcing the vulnerable into darkness and freezing conditions is a war crime that must be called out. In 21st-century Europe, it is barbarism that children are at risk of dying of hypothermia due to Russia's deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure. We have provided these generators in defence of basic human decency and we will continue to stand with the Chernihiv Region against the calculated cruelty of the Russian terrorist state. "