01 February, 2026

'Democracy dies in darkness'

Urgent help needed for people in Kyiv and elsewhere in Ukraine!


'Democracy dies in darkness'--this quote is used as an official slogan by the Washington Post in its print and online version. The quote is originally said to have been expressed by Bob Woodward. He is the journalist who uncovered the Watergate affair in 1972 with his fellow reporter Carl Bernstein. This led to the resignation of then U.S. President Richard Nixon, whose administration was found to be responsible for initiating a burglary at the Democratic Party's headquarters.
 The photo (courtesy EPA) was published in Oct 2025 in the South China Morning Post and shows a rescue team at work in Kyiv after a Russian missile strike.

    Millions of people in Ukraine are currently experiencing daily missile and drone strikes as part of Russia's war. Ukrainians are fighting for survival, independence and ... yes: democracy. As if this were not tragic enough, they are also suffering from freezing conditions and darkness as a result of deliberate attacks on the energy grid and power stations. This is particularly the case in the capital city of Kyiv. While we are now experiencing the coldest winter since the war began in February 2022, urgent help is needed.
    Several organisations across Europe are collecting donations to provide power generators, heating systems and many other essential items to help keep people safe. Some of these organisations specialise in the rapid delivery of these devices, so please don't hesitate to donate.

LUKRAINE is active in Luxembourg and speaks to the Ukrainian community in the Grand Duchy and beyond. Donations can be made HERE.

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERE has a Luxembourg chapter that provides medical and development aid in many parts of the world, among them also Ukraine. More information can be found HERE.

WE AID understands itself as a non-profit-as-a-service organisation and, among other initiatives, runs a programme called Ukraine2Power. It specifically aims at organising fast-track help with all devices that can bring warmth to people. More information can be found HERE.

The DEUTSCH-UKRAINISCHE GESELLSCHAFT was recently founded in Germany, pursuing a commitment not only to providing help, but also to fostering scientific and political collaboration — activities that will be needed when the country is rebuilt. Technical assistance is one of the purposes for which donations can be made via their website HERE.