Ukraine in need: 3 things we can do for Ukrainians and ourselves

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February is devastating news, uprooting Ukraine’s peace and freedom, while threatening the country’s people with death and destruction. As we witness how the war develops daily, we can’t help but feel for Ukraine’s loss. Naturally, we start asking, “How can we help Ukraine?”

Though these are confusing times, there are many ways to play a bigger role in helping our fellow humans. There are mainly three ways: to learn, take action, and be kind.

Learn and filter critically, especially the Russia-Ukraine crisis’ relevance to you

War feels sudden, but it is always the result of a series of events that have led to it. This article from Vox gives a detailed look at the causes for the invasion, including the accumulation leading to the 2014’s attack on Crimea. We should learn how the war is not just about Ukraine and Russia, but also how it affects the rest of the world.

Critically analyzing information will be crucial in weeding out misinformation, which is a common strategy in modern warfare. Emotions run high too, especially on the internet, and we must stay critical of the information shared with us. Fact checks to make sure the sources are essential.

Here are some sources you can pick up to get information closest to the source:

Kyiv Independent

Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s longest-running English newspaper providing trustworthy news from Ukraine. It was shut down temporarily last November due to a disagreement. The staff that was fired from the Kyiv Post took to crowdfunding to launch Kyiv Independent, supported successfully by over 900% of its initial goal. It focuses strongly on front lines news and spotlighting stories of the most affected.

Kyiv Post

Although the Kyiv Post was shut down for a few days, a new CEO was appointed, and Kyiv Post continued its operations. Funded by the country, it is currently the best place for the latest news coming from the government and military.

Stand With Ukraine

Stand With Ukraine has Instagram and Twitter accounts sharing the ongoings of the war, while sharing information related to the conflict. They are worth a follow if you want the latest news without going through reposts and opinion postings.

Ukranians in Solidarity

Ukranians in Solidarity  is an Instagram account to support people living in Ukraine, sharing support information and broadcasting messages.

Speak out and take action (even if you are in Japan)

To know about the war is different from knowing people are suffering. It is within our capacity to take what we have learned to apply for the betterment of civilization. We should go beyond just learning about what’s wrong, because we can. Speaking out and creating awareness is something we can do. If the social network is your chosen tool, then remember to fact-check before sharing.

Now is also one of the times when we need to take action. Many of us live in peace and prosperity, so we should use our privilege to speak out for others and take action to support the less fortunate. Even though some of us are in Japan, there are ways we can help our fellow Ukrainians. Donating to one of the following organizations is one of the best ways.

Embassy of Ukraine in Japan

For those wishing to donate to Ukraine, instead of going through the troublesome process of international transfer, the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan has released information for a domestic bank transfer on Twitter (the English tweet and information here).

UNICEF Ukraine

When conflict breaks out, children are one of the most vulnerable, often lacking access to health support, nutrition, education, sanitation and even safe drinking water. These are physical needs; we haven’t touched on the psychological and emotional hurt. UNICEF Ukraine has been there to provide support and assistance. UNICEF is calling for donations directly for the Ukrainian crisis.

Doctors Without Borders

These medical heroes work in areas worldwide where medical needs are most dire. Unfortunately, the escalation has forced them to stop their activities in Ukraine. Nevertheless, Doctors Without Borders are still in Ukraine, watching how the situation evolves so they can find a way to provide medical aid, either within the country or at its borders. They are also accepting donations.

Tabletochki

Tabletochki is a foundation that has been supporting children with cancer through every stage, from examination, search for and procurement of medicines, and psychological support. They’ve been getting support from various sources to get these children out of the country to continue treatment in peace. They are accepting donations here.

Marsh Zhinok (Women’s March)

Marsh Zhinok is an initiative providing support for a wide range of women’s issues, from progressing gender equality to fighting human trafficking. Since the war began, they have been receiving an increased number of applications for psychological support. And with the revelation of Russia weaponizing rape and torture as an invasion strategy, this organization is going to need help to addressing the aftermath. Donations can be made here.

Sirius

Sirius is the largest shelter for stray animals in Ukraine, having a capacity for more than 3,000 animals. Sirius is still attempting to evacuate the animals. There is new information that Russia troops abusing and killing animals from cows to dogs, but they are still being confirmed. Nevertheless, the Ukrainians continue to show compassion to animals and provide support. You can support them through donations.

Ukrainian Red Cross

The Ukrainian Red Cross is ready to provide medical and humanitarian support in areas that face shortages. Since the beginning of the escalation, they have been working around the clock to assist the Ukrainian populace. They have also attempted to set up operations in Russian territory. You may donate to the Ukrainian Red Cross here.

Choose love, not hate

It is very easy to simplify the narrative (and thus why our ability to parse information is so important). Just because Russia invaded Ukraine, it doesn’t mean all Russians are villains. Many Russians are against this war, and its people have held protests across Russia, risking their freedom and lives.

We need to hold the instigators of war accountable, and be kind to those who have stood out against it. Even when the dust of war settles, the world will face a fork in the road with Russia. How we thread through that sunflower path will depend on our capacity for empathy.

While not everyone is able to fight in the war, there are  many things we can do to show solidarity and our wishes for peace. Searching for “Art For Ukraine” (for example on Instagram) shows artists from all over the world expressing the most touching, most emotional, most heartbreaking art, expressing hope for the safety of Ukraine and the end of war.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Blue Yellow Art For Ukraine (@blueyellowart)

This invasion teaches us to be more appreciative of what we have currently, too. It is a reminder that peace, especially the mundane but precious peace, is not to be taken for granted. Peace takes a lot of effort to maintain, and it requires all of us to be responsible and contribute to keeping it.

And let’s not forget about our family and friends. Ukrainian men stay to fight and are torn away from their families, bidding farewell to their wives and children who make their way to seek refuge in other countries. We are fortunate not to experience the feeling of how we may not see our loved ones again. So hug your family. Call your friends. Let them know you care.

Lastly, and probably the most immediate action you should take, reach out to your Ukrainian friends, especially if they are away from home. Give them warm company to relieve the emotional stress built up during these few days, let them know you stand with them.

Peace to Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.