Spotlight on Valeria: Bringing Hope to Kramatorsk Amid the Frontline’s Shadows
A City Under Siege
Once a bustling city of nearly 100,000 people, Kramatorsk’s population has now dwindled to around 20,000, as the relentless conflict has driven many from their homes. The city’s strategic importance means it’s a critical supply route for the Ukrainian army, but it’s also within reach of Russian long-range artillery. The war’s brutality became painfully clear in 2022, when a Russian strike on Kramatorsk’s train station killed over 40 civilians waiting to flee the violence.
Amid this destruction and uncertainty, one woman has emerged as a beacon of hope for the city’s remaining residents: Valeria Komarnitskaya, founder of the local charity Dobry Rukh or The Good Movement.
Walking Among the Forgotten
Much like our friend Igor in Kherson, Valeria walks the streets of Kramatorsk, visiting the elderly and vulnerable who remain in the city’s half-abandoned buildings. Many of these residents have nowhere else to go, and Valeria has made it her mission to ensure they are not forgotten. She goes door to door, bringing them critical supplies—food, hygiene products, and even toys for the few children who remain in the city.
Her work is incredibly personal. She knows each resident, their struggles, and their needs. As she moves through the city’s bombed-out neighborhoods, she determines who is most in need of help, distributing what limited resources she has with compassion and care.
Valeria’s dedication to her community is astonishing. In a city where resources are scarce, and every day brings the boom of artillery fire, she continues to serve those who are too old, too sick, or too poor to leave. She brings not just supplies, but a sense of human connection in a place where hope is hard to find.
Why We Support Valeria
UAid Direct first connected with Valeria as we searched for ways to support Kramatorsk’s remaining residents. Everyone pointed us in her direction, and it quickly became clear why. Valeria’s tireless efforts to care for her city’s most vulnerable populations—particularly the elderly and young families—are nothing short of heroic.
We’ve been able to supply Valeria with essential items like water purification tabs, food, hygiene supplies, and even toys to bring moments of joy to the children who remain. In a city where every day is a struggle for survival, these small acts of kindness make a world of difference. Valeria, much like Igor in Kherson, is a lifeline for those in need, and her impact on the community cannot be overstated.
How You Can Help
Valeria’s work is far from over. Every day, she walks through Kramatorsk, a city near the frontline, ensuring that the elderly and vulnerable have the supplies they need to survive. But as the conflict continues, the needs grow greater. UAid Direct is committed to supporting Valeria, but we need your help.
Your donations will go directly to funding nutrition, hygiene products, and essential supplies for Kramatorsk’s residents. Valeria’s work is critical in this frontline city, and your support can help her continue to bring hope to those who have nowhere else to turn.
Join Us in Supporting Valeria’s Mission
Valeria’s story is one of bravery, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her community. In the shadow of war, she continues to provide life-saving aid to Kramatorsk’s most vulnerable. By supporting UAid Direct and UAid Direct USA, you are directly helping her continue this vital work.
Please consider donating today. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps Valeria and her team deliver critical supplies to those who need them most.