#StandWithUkraine
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine. The following days have seen increased violence as Russian troops fight to gain control of Ukraine’s territory. The office of the United Nations high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) has reported at least 102 civilian fatalities, as well as at least 406 civilians wounded.
On 28 February, Russian forces launched rocket attacks that killed “dozens” of civilians in Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv, as well as their continued assault on the capital, Kyiv. Kharkiv’s mayor has reported that at least nine people were killed, including three children, and 37 were wounded in one day due to the shelling.
As the war escalates, the world will bear witness to enormous displacement within Ukraine and across Europe – the EU has estimated that up to four million people may try to leave the country.
Countries across the world are responding: international sanctions against Russia aim to put pressure on Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, to end the war. This could lead to devastating economic impact in Russia – currently, buying foreign currency now costs Russians about 50% more than it did a week ago, if they can access it at all.
Important talks between Ukraine and Russia took place on the Belurusian-Ukrainian on Monday morning, but ended without resolution. Both sides agreed to continue negotiations, and a second round of talks could take place in the coming days.
As protests have erupted worldwide against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we want to show our solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine, and we stand against war and imperialism globally.
We’ve rounded up some resources where you can find out more about the current situation, and how to help those in need.
A protest in Tokyo on Feb. 26 of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Franck Robichon / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock)
How do we find out what’s going on?
International Rescue Committee has published a round up of the context around the war, including Russia’s history with Ukraine, and The Guardian has published this complete guide to the escalating events.
In the age of the internet, we have all the information we could ever need at our fingertips – but times of crisis can also become times of misinformation, so make sure you’re getting your news from a reputable source. Some news sites covering the conflict with live updates include the BBC, The Guardian, Sky News, The New York Times, and you can also read news from Ukraine in The Kyiv Independent.
How do we help?
A number of charities have launched appeals to support humanitarian assistance for those in need. Many international organisations currently have personnel in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries, to support those in need within the country, as well as the increasing number of displaced people who are fleeing the war.
Here are some charities you might consider donating to:
UNICEF - donations will help displaced children to receive emergency supplies like clean water and nutritious food
#HelpUkraine Emergency Appeal - donations help to provide medicine, food and essentials to support the most vulnerable in overcoming the consequences and trauma of war
Voices of Children - providing psychological support to children affected by war through programmes such as art therapy, as well as assisting with the current evacuation process in Ukraine
UNHCR - sending more resources, staff and aid to Ukraine’s neighbouring countries who are taking in hundreds of thousands of refugees
British Red Cross - responding to existing and emerging humanitarian needs with food, water, first aid, medicine, warm clothes, and shelter
Save the Children - donations go towards essential supplies and winter kits as temperatures plunge below freezing, mental health support, and educational access
Doctors Without Borders - increasing access to healthcare by working with local volunteers, organisations, health care professionals, and authorities
Razom - a Ukrainian-American human rights organisation supporting emergency needs like the delivery of essential goods and the translation of important documents and sources
Sunflower of Peace - preparing first aid medical backpacks for paramedics and doctors
Additionally, International Rescue Committee has provided a guide with some of the ways we can help those affected.
You can also search for local collections near you. For example, in London, The White Eagle Club on Balham High Road is collecting urgent donations to Ukraine. Lewisham’s Polish Centre is also coordinating relief donations for Ukrainian refugees.
