Ukrainian refugees living in Dumfries and Galloway are renewing appeals to help family and friends battling for survival on the frontline in their homeland.
Many have already lost close family members in the conflict since the Russian invasion began more than two years ago.
Messages from service personnel at the front show they are also struggling against the cold as the war grinds on.
Now residents of Ukrainian descent living in the region – along with those who have been making a new home here away from the violence – have sounded an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance centred at the Hallmuir Ukrainian Chapel at Lockerbie.
Former Dumfries headteacher Peter Kormylo said: “Ukraine has already lost 31,000 of its bravest and is losing more on a daily basis.
“Here in Dumfries and Galloway we have a number of Ukrainians who have lost husbands, partners, sons and daughters to this unnecessary invasion.
“We are appealing for help in the smallest ways.
“The chapel and museum barrack are open each Sunday this month between 2pm and 4pm and all are welcome to come visit us there, to either donate medication, or to chat to us about future humanitarian lifts.
“Every week there are voluntary transit vans going between Scotland and Ukraine transporting humanitarian aid to just behind the supply lines.”
The region’s Ukrainians are keen to repeat the outpouring of support which came at the start of the war, when people across Dumfries and Galloway donated items for agencies to transport across to Ukraine and Poland to help.
And Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell praised contributors and volunteers supporting the Sunday afternoon collections at the Ukrainian
chapel.
Calling for the public to lend further support to the Ukrainians here, he said: “I’ve been sad to learn that some of them have had relatives or friends killed or injured as a result of the conflict.
“The hardship and suffering faced by the Ukrainian forces, particularly in areas where there is currently trench warfare, is horrendous and a reminder of grim World War One battles.
“These troops, bravely defending their homeland, today face the added danger of sophisticated enemy weaponry and the constant threat from Russian surveillance and attack drones.
“I’m told any donations of appropriate over-the-counter medication and products such as heat pads to keep out the cold would be greatly appreciated.
“It really is the case that every little
helps.”
The list of over-the-counter medicines needed includes:
Painkillers (ibuprofen, diclofenac);
External hemostatic panthenol cream;
Complex medicines for colds: paracetamol, cough bottles;
Lozenges for sore throats;
Multivitamins;
Bandages and other dressings and;
Hand warmers.
