Want to support the people of Ukraine? Here are some ways you can help from afar
After weeks of troop buildup along Ukraine’s borders, Russia unleashed its military might on the nation Thursday, Feb. 24, staging the largest invasion of European soil since the second World War, outlets reported. The invasion alarmed leadership across the West, which had sought to convince Russian president Vladimir Putin to back down through diplomatic efforts and sanctions.
The people of Ukraine are sure to suffer in the days ahead, humanitarian aid groups say.
But there are ways to help the besieged country from afar.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has been working to repair infrastructure, equip hospitals, and keep Ukrainians fed and sheltered, ever since Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, according to the organization.
“This new phase of the fighting in Ukraine has sent an ominous chill down my spine,” ICRC president Peter Maurer wrote in a statement. “The intensification and spread of the conflict [risks] a scale of death and destruction that are frightening to contemplate, given the immense military capacities involved.”
Maurer said Red Cross workers will continue their efforts “to assist those in need” in Ukraine.
Donate to the Red Cross here.
Soon after Russian troops, tanks and jets crossed into Ukraine, the sounds of war — explosions and gunfire — were echoing through the capital city of Kyiv, home to 3 million citizens, Reuters reported.
While Ukraine’s military is outnumbered and outgunned by Russian forces, president Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed that his country is willing to fight, and called on all Ukrainians to defend against invading forces, outlets reported.
With bombs dropping and bullets flying, medical supplies will be needed by civilians and soldiers.
A list crowd-sourced by Ukrainians recommends four organizations focused on this area:
- Razom for Ukraine
- United Help of Ukraine
- Fundraiser for Sunflower of Peace
- Revived Soldiers Ukraine
Razom for Ukraine is raising funds to put more volunteers on the ground who will deliver “essential equipment and goods” as well as assist in translating important documents, the organization said.
United Help of Ukraine aims to provide life-saving first-aid kits to the front lines, and “prepare humanitarian aid to civilians.”
Sunflower of Peace is asking for donations to pay for backpacks filled with medical equipment. In the hands of front-line doctors and paramedics “each backpack has the ability to save up to 10 lives: Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, volunteers, and children.”
Revived Soldiers Ukraine is dedicated to giving medical assistance to soldiers and their families, and equipping military hospitals with items needed to care for the wounded.
To donate to Ukraine’s war effort more directly, support Come Back Alive.
“One of the most trustworthy” military charities in the nation, according to the Kyiv Independent, Come Back Alive helps equip soldiers with “specialized software, drones, personal body protection, training, and other supplies.”
This story was originally published February 24, 2022 at 4:20 PM with the headline "Want to support the people of Ukraine? Here are some ways you can help from afar."