What is the best way to help Ukrainians from the USA?
More than 2,000 Ukrainians have already been killed as a result of the Russian invasion. Here's a few ways to support people suffering in Ukraine.
Earlier this week Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an emotional speech to members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. His impassioned address brought his interpreter close to tears as he spoke of the suffering that his compatriots were enduring at the hands of Russian invasion forces.
“We have proven our strengths,” Zelenskyy said. “We have proven that as at a minimum, we are exactly the same as you are. So do prove that you are with us, do prove that you will not let us go. Do prove that you indeed are Europeans.”
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That call for further assistance was heard around the world and people are offering support in whatever way they can to help the Ukrainian people. Here’s a few things you can do to help Ukrainians…
Donate to charitable causes
Perhaps the easiest way to help people in Ukraine is by donating to one of numerous charitable organisations providing vital support to people on the ground. The charity index Charity Navigator assesses non-profits around the world to establish which are most beneficial and to highlight some which may not receive the same attention.
Here’s a few of the charities with the highest scores for efficiency, transparency and other factors which will support Ukrainians…
GlobalGiving – Supports non-profits around the world and its Ukrainian relief fund will provide food, water, shelter and other assistance to refugees of the crisis
Direct Relief – Provides for the medical needs by working alongside Ukraine’s health ministry.
Care – Works to supply food, water and hygiene kits to those suffering in Ukraine.
Doctors Without Borders- The 50-year-old non-profit sends staff and medical supplies to areas affected by conflict in Ukraine and further afield.
Save the Children – With a specific Ukraine crisis relief fund Save The Children provides food, hygiene kits, funding and more for families and children.
As reports emerge of the atrocities committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, the importance of supporting Ukrainian journalism is increasingly apparent. There is a GoFundMe page set up to support Ukrainian media and the journalists who are risking their lives to recount the stories from the ground.
Alternatively, you can donate directly to English-language Kyiv Independent and the New Voice of Ukraine to ensure that vital publications can continue.
How to support people in Ukraine for free
Donations to charitable causes will help provide the supplies and support needed in the short-term for people in Ukraine but there is plenty that you can do without putting your hand in your pocket. The Russian invasion has gained huge media attention over the past week but there is still the need to highlight the injustices suffered by people in Ukraine and push for change.
If you are based in the United States, you could contact your representative in Congress to voice your views on the American response to the tragedy. You can find contact details for your local lawmaker with the Find Your Representative tool, or contact the White House directly.
There have been numerous protests and demonstrations in the US and across the world in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine. If you wish to attend one, you can find an extensive list of upcoming demonstrations at www.stopputin.net and filter by country.