We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
A symbol of light amid the darkness.
It’s been almost a year since Russian troops invaded Ukraine, began missile, drone and artillery attacks, hitting major cities like Kiev, and displaced millions of innocent civilians.
Since their attack, which began on February 24, Russian forces have focussed their attention on striking Ukrainian power facilities, fuel storage depots and water works – one of the country’s most vital infrastructures. In November, Ukraine’s national power company, Ukrenergo, stated that damage to electricity installations has meant that 50% of electricity demand can’t be supplied, per the BBC.
This winter, it’s now estimated that more than 10 million people will be forced to live without electricity, heat, and water. Worse still, temperatures are expected to fall to a bitter and frightening –20C degrees.
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe recently revealed, as reported by the BBC, that hundreds of hospitals and healthcare facilities are ‘no longer fully operational, lacking fuel, water and electricity to meet basic needs’ and has called the attacks on Ukraine’s healthcare system a ‘breach of international humanitarian law and the rules of war’.
This Wednesday (December 21) will mark the darkest day of the year around the world. And, to show support to Ukraine, organisations such as UNITED24, the global creative network 1 Granary, the alternative media organisation War Against War, and several members of the Parliament of Ukraine, are coming together to participate in the #LightUpUkraine appeal.
The appeal invites people to come together in a symbolic act of support for Ukraine and turn off their Christmas lights for an hour. Those wanting to take part in the hour-long period of darkness are being asked to switch off their Christmas lights, whether they be in their homes or in local squares and streets, at 8pm GMT.
Supporters are also invited to encourage city landmarks (e.g. museums, theatres and, city halls) to join in and turn off non-essential lights, and spread awareness about the campaign, which is part of a $10m fundraising drive for generators for hospitals across the war-torn country, via social media.
Cities expected to take part in the campaign include London, Paris, New York, Sydney, Warsaw, Prague, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Reykjavik, Sofia, Ottawa and Helsinki.
Ahead of the hour-long darkness initiative, President Zelensky called on nations to support Ukrainian people during its ongoing blackouts.
‘When the light shuts off, you always take it as something out of the ordinary,’ he stated. ‘But when you spend four, 10, 20 hours or even days without it, and you start to get used to the darkness – that’s the worst thing ever. This means that light is not the only thing they want to take away from you. They aim for everything that is part of your life.
‘This is how we live in Ukraine right now – defending ourselves from the enemy who came to destroy us. That is why I am turning to you now, true friends of Ukraine. We need your support! Every doctor who is forced to operate in the dark. Every father and every mother who does everything to give their families what they need – even in the darkness. Every Ukrainian who has faith in freedom, despite the darkness.’
‘Together we will stop this war! Please search for new ways to help Ukraine! And thank you to everyone who cares about freedom!’
In London, the blackout for Ukraine will be seen in Trafalgar Square, Canterbury Cathedral, Lambeth Palace, Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, and Christmas lights in key streets across the city.
‘Whilst we all prepare for Christmas festivities this hour of darkness reminds us all of the hardships and privations being faced by ordinary Ukrainians every day as they live without power, heat and water in freezing temperatures,’ said Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
‘On this shortest day and every day, London stands in solidarity with Ukraine.’
To find out more about #LightUpUkraine and ways to support Ukrainian people, head to the UNITED24 Fundraising Initiative here.