The impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been beyond devastating. The conflict continues to escalate, and so does the people of Ukraine’s need for help.
Since Russia first launched its invasion on Feb. 24, over 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine for safety to their neighboring countries, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency. Meanwhile, civilians of Ukraine — including children — remain in the country, taking shelter in subway tunnels and other secure areas. They are facing below-freezing temperatures and have little water and food.
If you are watching the conflict unfold, you may be wondering how you can support the people of Ukraine. Here are ways you can help.
- Direct Relief
Direct Relief is a U.S.-based humanitarian organization that distributes donated medical supplies. The organization is working with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, the U.N. and local NGOs to provide needed medical aid as they become known. The organization is currently working to deliver items on the list Ukraine's Ministry of Health sent last weekend. Donations for Direct Relief can be made at www.directrelief.org/place/ukraine/.
1. The Kyiv Independent
Journalists at the Kyiv Independent have been covering and offering the world constant updates of the war as they fear for themselves. The newspaper has promoted a GoFundMe, “Keep Ukraine’s media going,” to help journalists in Ukraine relocate and continue their jobs from neighboring countries.
2. Save the Children
Save the Children is a humanitarian organization for children, founded more than a century ago. The organization has been helping local organizations in Ukraine stock up on food, water, hygiene kits and winter clothes over the past year. On its website, www.savethechildren.org, you can learn about how your donation helps the children in Ukraine. For example, $50 can prevent three children from going hungry for a month.
3. Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a global team of humanitarians working in more than 40 countries. They are sending aid workers to Romania and Poland along the Ukrainian border to assess the most urgent humanitarian needs. On its donation page, they say that they are particularly concerned about the elderly and people with disabilities who are still in Ukraine.
4. Attend protests
Over the past week, protesters around the world have marched in streets and city squares with blue-and-yellow flags to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine — researchers and students have also led demonstrations on campus. The website www.stopputin.net lists forthcoming demonstrations against the war.
5. Write to your congressperson
Voice your views on the Russian invasion and share your ideas on how we can stand behind Ukrainians fighting for their freedom. On the United States House of Representatives website, you can use your zip code to find your local representative.
