How to Help People in Ukraine

Christella Reyes '23
On February 24th, President Putin declared Russia could not "feel safe, develop, and exist" because of what he claimed was a constant threat from modern Ukraine. Instantly, airports and military headquarters were attacked. Then, tanks and troops rolled in from Russia and Russia-annexed Crimea and its ally Belarus. There are many methods by which we can positively impact the innocent lives of Ukrainians during these troubling times. 
One way that you could make a tangible difference is to donate money. An organization known as Save the Children estimates that up to 7.5 million children could be at risk if the situation in Ukraine worsens. The charity has recently called for donations to help disseminate essential humanitarian aid to families. Another organization urgently calling for donations is the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Additionally, a charity on the frontline of the conflict is known as Razom for Ukraine. It's a nonprofit organization focused on purchasing medical supplies for critical situations like blood loss. 
  
Another way to help the people of Ukraine is to donate clothes and other necessities to organizations offering support, which include the International Rescue Committee, UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, and Voices of Children. Donations to the ICRC, working alongside the Ukrainian Red Cross, will help administer urgent assistance like food, water, fuel, medical supplies, and housing support for people in need. 
  
Many heartbreaking stories have emerged from Ukraine as the invasion of Russia tears families apart. A 68-year old woman named Vilma talks about her 47-year old son who was prevented from leaving the country: "I'm shaking, I can't calm down. We crossed the border, but they just didn't let him come with us. We are trying to keep in touch with him on the phone, but it's hard because the line is bad." 
   
Some citizens who remained in Ukraine held on to hope the attack would somehow come to a quick stop. A young girl named Vlada prayed in front of a monastery in the city of Mariupol as she confessed, "I don't want to die. I want all of this to end as soon as possible." 
  
Amidst the Russian invasion, a couple in Ukraine had arranged their wedding date later in May. However, they had decided to get married at Kyiv's St. Michael's Monastery on the day Russia hit Ukraine's borders. Yaryna Arieva, 21, and Sviatoslav Fursin, 24, were teary-eyed and smiling as they took their vows. Arieva proclaimed, "The situation is hard. We are going to fight for our land. There's a chance we could die. But, we just wanted to be together before all of that." The married couple plans to head to the local territorial defense center to join war efforts in defending their country. 
  
The situation in Ukraine has left many onlookers feeling helpless. But, there are many productive actions you can do to assist. With an uncertain future, families, friends, and loved ones in Ukraine decide to hold on to what they know is certain: their love for each other. 

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