The war in Ukraine has now been raging for more than four and a half years, with no end in sight. For millions of Ukrainians, immediate danger is a daily reality: missiles and drones can strike at any moment, even far from the front line. While attention to this war continues to fade, the need for help remains great.

During my studies in Crisis and Security Management, I learned a great deal about war and its consequences. Learning so much about conflicts while being able to contribute so little in practical terms can leave you feeling powerless. Through Keep Them Warm, I want to change that.

As chair, I am working alongside a team of motivated students this year to deliver essential aid supplies to the Ukrainian border and bring people seeking safety back with us. Every trip provides practical help to people who desperately need it and shows them that we have not forgotten them. At a time when Russia is using hybrid attacks to discourage European support, we want to show that we will not back down.

Because as long as this war continues, so will we.

Hi! My name is Maja Jansen, I’m 22 years old, and this year I have the opportunity to serve as vice-chair of Keep Them Warm, with responsibility for external relations. After completing my bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Organisations, I am now studying Crisis and Security Management.

Through my studies, I have developed an interest in international conflicts, security, and their consequences for people around the world. The war in Ukraine shows just how profoundly a conflict can affect people’s everyday lives. That is why I believe it is important to reflect on what is happening in the world and consider what we can contribute ourselves.

Through my work with Keep Them Warm this year, I hope to expand the organisation’s reach and encourage more volunteers to take part in our trips, so that together we can make a difference for people affected by the war in Ukraine.

Hello! My name is Freddy Wegener Sleeswijk, and I study Business Administration. As treasurer of Keep Them Warm, I manage donations and prepare budgets for the trips we organise.

I joined because I wanted to contribute personally to helping people in Ukraine. What appeals to me about Keep Them Warm is that we take practical action with a dedicated group of people and can see directly where our efforts make a difference. As treasurer, I can combine my interest in finance with something that makes a real difference to others.

Hi! I’m Bas, and this year I’m coordinating Keep Them Warm’s trips together with Doris. I discovered the organisation through social media and became interested in how its volunteers work to help people in Ukraine.

With my interest in social issues, I value being part of an initiative that raises awareness of a terrible war and takes practical action. As a trip coordinator, I believe it is important that every volunteer can set off feeling confident and well prepared.

I look forward to working with the entire board for Keep Them Warm this year, and I hope that through many successful trips, we can contribute to helping Ukraine!

Hi, my name is Doris, and the war in Ukraine has been on my mind for quite some time. This is partly because of my studies in Political Science, but also because I visited Kyiv several times when I was younger and have fond memories of the city.

I have noticed that the longer the war continues, the less attention it seems to receive, and that worries me, especially since its end is still nowhere in sight. That is why I want to do my part by joining an organisation that continues to draw attention to the war and provides help to people who desperately need it.

Together with Bas, I serve as a trip coordinator. We make sure that our organisation’s trips to the Polish-Ukrainian border run as smoothly as possible. We are also the main point of contact for our local contacts and volunteers.

It is vital that many more trips take place, as supplies are still urgently needed in Ukraine, as is help for refugees seeking to escape unsafe conditions.

Through this work with Keep Them Warm, we hope to make a meaningful difference to people in Ukraine.

Hey! I’m Guusje, and together with Koen, I’m one of Keep Them Warm’s activities coordinators this year.

I study Law in Leiden, and in April 2026, I went on a trip with Keep Them Warm to the Polish-Ukrainian border. It was a truly special and moving experience. It is only when you take part in a trip like this that you realise how much impact you can have through something that might initially seem like a small contribution. Soon afterwards, I knew I wanted to do more for Keep Them Warm, so I applied to join the board.

As activities coordinator, I will mainly focus on developing and organising fun initiatives to raise money and recruit new volunteer drivers. I enjoy being creative and working with others to develop new ideas.

This year, I hope to inspire as many people as possible to volunteer for a trip or help in another way. My own trip showed me how special it is to go there yourself and experience what Keep Them Warm does, beyond supporting its work from a distance.

Hi! My name is Koen, I study International Relations, and together with Guusje, I am organising activities for Keep Them Warm this year. Through these activities, we aim to raise awareness of the organisation, raise funds, and inspire people to take part in a trip.

The war in Ukraine has been going on for almost five years. While Russia continues to increase the pressure, the conflict seems to be receiving less and less attention among the Dutch public. Through my role at Keep Them Warm, I hope to help draw more attention to the situation in Ukraine and the people who suffer its consequences every day, alongside the practical support we provide through our trips.

Do you have an idea for a worthwhile activity? Feel free to get in touch!

I’m Daan, I’m 23 years old, I study International Relations, and this year I’m managing Keep Them Warm’s social media!

With the situation in Ukraine still looking bleak and the fifth bitterly cold winter of the war approaching, I wanted to do something to help people in Ukraine. By regularly posting about what we do and why it is needed, I hope to inspire plenty of people to take part in a trip. I also hope to remind those who will not be joining a trip how important it is to keep supporting people in Ukraine, day after day, and to make sure this war is not forgotten!