Last month, Basil Seggos, the commissioner of the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation, took a leave of absence to go to Ukraine to aid in humanitarian efforts as the European country deals with nearly eight months of war with Russia. Seggos said the Ukrainian fight against Russian aggression is reminiscent of the blitz on London during the Second World War.

Seggos said despite the eight months of war, the Ukrainian people have “incredible energy and high morale.” The country has been hit hard from Russian attacks that have crippled parts of the Ukrainian power grid ahead of a cold winter season.

Seggos said that New Yorkers don’t have to have boots on the ground to help out in the effort. Ahead of the winter, New Yorkers can donate old coats ahead of the winter and other resources to help Ukrainians on the front lines.