Cologne / Zell (Mosel), April 20, 2026 – As part of a joint humanitarian initiative, a high-performance 100-kW power generator was provided for a children’s hospital in Ternopil. The handover and preparations for transport took place during a meeting on April 20, 2026, in Cologne with representatives from politics and international organizations.
Participants in the initiative include the City of Zell (Mosel), the German-American Institute (GAI), and the Blau-Gelbes Kreuz e. V. association. Among those present were Mayor Hans-Peter Döpgen, Ms. Hoffmann (GAI), Honorary Consul of Ukraine Ms. Linda Mai, Nadiia Khmeliuk, and Roman Genovschii from Blau-Gelbes Kreuz e. V.
The generator was procured by the Blue-Yellow Cross and delivered to the warehouse in Cologne, where it was prepared for onward transport to Ukraine. The organization is also handling the logistics all the way to Ternopil. Once there, the generator was symbolically marked with the logos of the city of Zell (Mosel) and the Blue-Yellow Cross.
Vital Infrastructure for Hospitals
Power generators are of crucial importance for hospitals—especially under the conditions of the ongoing war. They ensure the continuous operation of vital medical equipment such as incubators and ventilators. A stable power supply is essential for survival, particularly for premature infants and seriously ill children. High-performance generators make it possible to ensure reliable medical care around the clock, even during power outages.
Persistently high demand for medical aid
Hospitals in Ternopil continue to report a high demand for medications and medical equipment. The consequences of the war, which has been ongoing for over four years, are evident in a rising number of patients with chronic illnesses, diabetes, and mental health issues, as well as an increase in amputations requiring comprehensive rehabilitation. Expectant mothers and children are also particularly affected.
Funding Through International Cooperation
The generator was funded through donations from Germany and the United States. Back in 2022, the German-American Institute had already provided funds to support Ukrainian refugees in Zell (Mosel). Since there is currently no further need for refugee aid in the area, it was decided in consultation with the GAI to use the remaining funds for relief efforts in Ukraine.
A total of 18,235.71 euros was raised through donations to purchase the generator, which was transferred to the Blau-Gelbes Kreuz.
The city of Ternopil has reported that the generator has since arrived safely there and has been handed over to the children’s hospital.
Additional Aid Initiatives
In addition to the generator aid, several other support projects have already been implemented:
Late 2025: Shipment of 384 Christmas care packages
Early 2026: Distribution of 112 “Sweet Greetings” to particularly vulnerable women in Ternopil
These aid initiatives were made possible, among other things, by donations from many citizens as well as a supermarket in Zell (Mosel). The gifts were presented during an event marking International Women’s Day, organized by the state social center in Ternopil. The recipients—including internally displaced persons, low-income senior women, and women with special needs—were deeply moved and grateful.
“Your help makes a difference! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your wonderful support!” read the moving feedback from a recipient in Ternopil.
Outlook
The organizers are hoping for further donations to provide additional power generators as well as urgently needed medical supplies. Further appeals are already planned, particularly around Easter, to continue supporting the people of Ukraine.
