Gas distribution network operators, operating under the brand name of Regional Gas Company (RGC), donated UAH 181 million to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine and cities affected by the war.

"From the first days of a full-scale war, Ukrainian gas workers have been helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine, territorial defense units and contributing to the restoration of settlements. During this time, operators have transferred vehicles and material means and equipment worth UAH 181 million," the RGC press release said on Thursday.

According to the document, for the needs of the front, the gas distribution companies of RGC purchased and transferred more than 327 vehicles in 2022.

"These are powerful SUVs with high cross-country ability, and roomy and reliable buses for evacuating the wounded. Each car was repaired, refueled and staffed," RGC noted.

The gas workers also transferred military vehicles to the use of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This special equipment helps defenders equip engineering buildings and transport cargo.

"And operators have also become a repair base for damaged cars," the company added.

In addition, from the first day of the Russian invasion, plants for production of modern gas equipment RGC Production switched to a military footing.

"They set up production of tens of thousands of hedgehogs, tire spikes, protective screens for armored vehicles, metal structures for arranging checkpoints and dugouts. Also, more than 1,000 stoves were made for the front line and residents of the de-occupied territories," RGC said.

Currently, more than 1,500 employees of gas distribution companies serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"Therefore, gas workers take care of more than 30 military units in which their colleagues serve, and constantly transfer food, medicines, hygiene products, sleeping bags, bulletproof vests, and fuel to them," the company explained.

Thermal imagers, tablets, optical sights are purchased for the military.

"A total of 19 drones were handed over to the military, and in December 2022, our operators financed production of the Ukrainian Tor drone. This 'bird' will be engaged in reconnaissance at the forefront and will deliver 'packages' to Russian invaders," RGC added.

Also, in the early days of the war, gas workers equipped 15 humanitarian hubs and 35 bomb shelters for the civilian population, which became a shelter for hundreds of people.

Another area is the restoration of infrastructure in the de-occupied territories, as well as in cities and towns affected by hostilities. In addition to repairing gas networks, gas distribution companies helped restore schools, bridges and other structures, and glaze houses. Together with charitable foundations, gas workers donate food kits, personal hygiene products, clothes and warm clothes to the population.

"Such assistance will continue in 2023 - until the complete victory of Ukraine and the restoration of our cities," RGC stressed.