10 Ways To Help The People Of Ukraine Right Now

After several weeks of growing tensions, diplomatic sanctions, and ultimately futile attempts to impede President Vladimir Putin’s planned attack, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine early Thursday morning. As nearly 200,000 Russian troops crossed into Ukraine, targeting a number of the country’s key military sites and marking the official start of war, many world leaders warned that the conflict could soon become the biggest in Europe since World War II.

“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” President Joe Biden said in a statement shortly after the attacks began. Mere hours later, the invasion has already caused dozens of deaths in the capital of Kyiv and beyond, and an estimated 100,000 Ukrainian civilians have fled their homes in search of safety. Supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs, and gas stations are overflowing with people, as they rush to stock up on supplies; subway stations are being used as bomb shelters; and some parents are even putting stickers on their children to indicate their blood types.

As news of the invasion—and its consequences for the Ukrainian people—has spread, many have watched in horror, feeling desperate to help. Major protests and demonstrations in support of Ukraine’s right to independence are underway outside of Russian embassies across the globe, with more expected over the weekend, but a handful of organizations are also actively working to provide food, shelter, medical supplies, and support to affected civilians. Here are some ways you can help.

United Help Ukraine

This nonprofit volunteer organization distributes medical supplies, food, and donations to Ukrainian refugees and people on the ground in Ukraine, as well as offers support to Ukrainian families who have lost soldiers to war. Donations toward their current fundraiser will help provide emergency medical aid and humanitarian relief to those on the front lines.

USA for UNHCR

The UN Refugee Agency, USA for UNHCR, is accepting donations via a restricted fund to provide emergency aid to children, women and men displaced by the violence in Ukraine.

Razom for Ukraine

Razom, which in Ukrainian means “together,” was originally founded in 2014 to support Ukrainians after Russia annexed Crimea. Now, the volunteer organization is on the ground providing relief for soldiers and doctors on the frontlines.

The Red Cross

The global nonprofit’s Ukrainian branch is accepting donations to go towards distributing vital aid and resources to Ukrainian civilians affected by the Russian invasion.

Voices of Children

This organization works to provide psychological and psychosocial support to Ukrainian children affected by conflict.

Nova Ukraine

Nova Ukraine is an American nonprofit that works with activists and other organizations in Ukraine to offer humanitarian aid to vulnerable groups and individuals. The organization accepts both monetary donations and the donation of children's shoes and clothing, bedding, personal hygiene items, wheelchairs, and more.

The Kyiv Independent

Ukraine’s English-language media outlet, The Kyiv Independent, is reporting on the invasion from the ground. You can support the newspaper by donating to its GoFundMe or Patreon .

Come Back Alive

Come Back Alive is a local organization which The Kyiv Independent has suggested donating to. It supports the Ukrainian military by offering supplies, protection, training, and psychological support to soldiers.

Army SOS

This is another organization that directly helps Ukrainian troops by providing food and other supplies.

Other Ways to Help

In addition to offering financial support, sharing accurate, fact-based information about the Russian invasion of Ukraine with your friends, family, and social media followers can help raise awareness about the situation. You can also choose to boycott Russian goods and services, a move that echos the new sanctions announced by President Biden on Thursday.

By Gabby Shacknai, Contributor