Aid from Inverness and the Highlands bound for eastern Ukraine as Russia ramps up bomb attacks and drone strikes
A solicitor in Ukraine has revealed how aid from the Highlands will make a huge difference as Russia ramps up its attacks on her homeland.
Lena Maksimova, of Kherson, says donations such as tents, sleeping bags and duvets are providing practical help as private homes are attacked daily - and are also a morale booster in showing the Ukrainian people they are not alone.
Lena, a representative of the humanitarian organisation, Highlands for Ukraine, made her comments as Continuum, the in-house project connected to The Ledge climbing wall in Inverness, and outdoor clothing and equipment suppliers, Alpkit, provided hundreds of donated items to be sent to the war zone.
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The tonnes of donations will be shipped to the east of Ukraine as soon as possible to support families who say that far from coming to a halt under peace proposals called for by US President Donald Trump, bombing and drone strikes have intensified over the past few days.
Lena said attacks on homes, hospitals and shelters in Kherson, Kharkiv, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia have not only been ramped up but that the latest tactic by Russian forces is to wait until emergency services and volunteer rescuers have arrived on the scene of the original destruction site and then send in more drones or missiles to try to increase the casualty rate.
“We are so very grateful for the aid that comes from Inverness and the Highlands,” she said.
“It makes a huge difference, not only in practical terms but also to keep our morale up, knowing we are not alone in this effort to prevent any further illegal invasion of our country.
“So much of the destruction that we face daily is aimed at civilians and to receive weekly deliveries of medical aid, food and emergency supplies from the kind people of Inverness can’t be measured adequately in gratitude. It means so much.”
She said the large donation from the Continuum charity and Alpkit would be useful when private homes were being attacked every single day.
“Tents, sleeping bags and duvets are essential for the rescue operations,” she said.
The Continuum project sent hundreds of donations to Highlands for Ukraine’s collection hub where it is now being sorted and packed, with some of it already on its way to Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.
Sean Unwin, manager at Alpkit’s Inverness store, revealed that the Continuum Project has already helped Highland-based refugees, including Ukrainian displaced people, with donations of clothing.
“Alpkit Inverness is proud to announce the continued success of its Continuum project, an initiative that has been making a significant impact on local communities in Inverness and the Broader Highlands,” he said.
“Alpkit is providing critical support to charities in the region, helping to improve lives and build stronger communities.
'At Alpkit, we believe in the power of community and importance of giving back to the place we love.'
Nairn solicitor James Hotchkis, of Highlands for Ukraine,, organised the major donation from Continuum and Alpkit.
“It was good to have such a rewarding working relationship with Sean,” he said.
“Sean was very helpful and professional and as a result, the project has come to fruition for the huge benefit of the people of Ukraine.”
