For over 30 years, Professor Heinrich G.A. Benner, Honorary Doctor of Engineering and Physics, has led the German charitable association “Ukraine Hilfe Breitscheid named after Saint Lawrence,” providing support to social projects, medical and educational institutions, as well as Ukrainian defenders. In December 2025, Professor Benner’s team carried out its 100th humanitarian mission to Ukraine, delivering critically needed supplies, equipment, and four specialized fire tanker trucks for units of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
The event took place on the eve of Christmas, bringing together friends and partners of the organization from various parts of Ukraine: representatives of organizations in Kyiv, Lutsk, and the Lviv and Volyn regions, school and boarding school directors, local authorities, and clergy. During the celebrations, Professor Benner was awarded the honorary title of Doctor honoris causa of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, as well as numerous distinctions from the Verkhovna Rada, regional councils, and military units.
According to the organization’s coordinator in Ukraine, Vasyl Petruk, the 100th mission is only the beginning:
“We plan to continue supporting social, educational, and medical projects, as well as Ukrainian military personnel in the hottest spots of the country.” The professor’s team pays special attention to children: each year, more than 1,500 New Year gifts are delivered to children of fallen heroes, orphans, and residents of boarding schools.
The humanitarian activities of Professor Benner have a wide reach: support for schools, boarding schools, and universities in the Lviv, Volyn, and Kyiv regions; major renovations, equipment upgrades, and logistical support; medical institutions and rehabilitation centers for soldiers and children; provision of oxygen cylinders, medical equipment, and dressings; support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and border guards through the delivery of generators, special vehicles, and humanitarian cargo; youth and social initiatives.
In the conditions of the full-scale war, the organization’s humanitarian activities have only increased: Professor Benner’s team has already organized more than 45 deliveries totaling over 3,000 tons of cargo, including food products, medical equipment, clothing, ammunition, and specialized equipment for the front line.
According to Professor Benner himself, his work is based on the principles of responsibility and intercultural cooperation. It includes not only humanitarian aid, but also educational and economic projects aimed at the development and reconstruction of Ukraine. Plans for 2026 include the establishment of a trade and industrial representative office in Germany, the launch of an association of German enterprises in Ukraine, the organization of cultural exchanges and art exhibitions, and the founding of a German university with a dual education system.
“We believe in the power of cooperation and assistance,” says Professor Benner. “Each mission is a bridge of trust and support between our countries, and helping Ukrainians is our duty.”
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Photo: from the archive of the organization “Ukraine Help Breitscheid named after St. Lawrence”