Humanitarian bridge: Aid transport connects Wittlich and Panevėžys

Panevėžys, 15 September 2025 – On Monday morning at 8 a.m., an aid transport from the ISHR Wittlich working group arrived in Panevėžys, the third largest city in Lithuania.

The delivery was unloaded by a team of young volunteers within two hours, despite the rain and cool temperatures.

Many of them even took the time to do this before work began – a sign of the strong volunteer commitment on site.

The relief supplies from Germany are arriving at a crucial time. With the onset of the colder season, the number of refugees from Ukraine and Belarus seeking refuge in Lithuania is increasing.

“We live in constant fear of the war spreading,” says a representative of the local IGFM group. “If we don’t help Ukraine and don’t act together, the war could quickly spread to the Baltic states”.

Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression, Lithuania has relied on close cooperation with international partners. The Wittlich working group has already brought humanitarian aid to the region on several occasions. In addition to food and clothing, the current delivery also includes medical supplies, some of which are being sent directly to Ukraine.

The need in Panevėžys is great: around 800 war refugees are currently living in the town. In addition, there are numerous needy Lithuanian families with several children who are regularly supported by aid organisations. The relief supplies from Wittlich are distributed specifically to educational institutions, charitable organisations and directly to families.

“Every box, every parcel brings hope and concrete help – for a child, for a mother on the run, for a lonely grandmother,” says the local ISHR group.

With its ongoing support, the Wittlich working group is not only sending material aid, but also a strong signal of solidarity to the Baltic states.