Update Friday, March 4: We’ve added additional resources to this story following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
On Tuesday, Russia ordered troops into parts of Ukraine, creating one of the biggest geopolitical storms in decades in a move that President Biden called “the beginning of a Russian invasion.” The reaction from governments around the world has been swift, with Russia itself and its biggest companies and richest citizens being hit with economic sanctions. However, those have done hardly anything yet to deter Russia, and many believe Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, won’t stop until his ultimate goal is achieved—taking the capital of Kyiv.
Only time will tell how Putin’s move will impact our future history, but right now the people of Ukraine are suffering. Already Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have been killed and parents are preparing for the worst, sending their children to school with blood type identification stickers in case of bombings.
While most of us feel helpless when confronted with geopolitical machinations of this scale, there are ways you can help the citizens of Ukraine right now. As journalist Jane Lytvynenko pointed out on Twitter, Ukrainians have put together a list of organizations where foreigners can donate, both to help the Ukrainian army and its private citizens. Those organizations include:
- Come Back Alive and Army SOS: both will use donated funds to help purchase supplies for the Ukrainian military, including ammunition, shields, and food.
- Razom for Ukraine, Help for Ukraine, Sunflower of Peace, and Revived Soldiers Ukraine: these four organizations will use donations to fund medical aid for the people of Ukraine, including the purchase of first aid kits, backpacks stuffed with medical supplies, and medical rehabilitation for injured soldiers.
- The Kyiv Independent: finally, you can help fund English-language journalism in the country by donating to the Kyiv Independent at its Patreon of GoFundMe accounts.
- Committee to Protect Journalists: CPJ is calling for the protection of journalists in Ukraine following the invasion. Donate here.
- International Rescue Committee: This group helps families in conflict zones around the world, including in Ukraine. Make an emergency donation here.
- Community Organized Relief Effort: CORE will provide cash and non-food items to Ukrainian refugees. You can donate here.
- The Salvation Army: The SA is providing food, accommodation, and other necessities to refugees. Donate here.
- International Medical Corps: This organization provides free medical and mental health services to those in Ukraine. Donate here.
- Medical Teams International: The MTI is shipping medical supplies to Ukraine. Contribute here.
- UNICEF: The aid organization is working to provide protection, health care, food, and more to the children of Ukraine. Donate here.
⚡️Important resource ⚡️
Ukrainians put together a list of resources on how foreigners can help. There are all reputable organizations doing good work. Spread far and wide:https://t.co/NeGElG48jZ
— Jane Lytvynenko (@JaneLytv) February 22, 2022
Recognize your brand’s excellence by applying to this year’s Brands That Matter Awards before the early-rate deadline, May 3.
