1. Russian citizens are protesting the actions of their government
As conflict rages on between the Russian government and the people of Ukraine, many Russian citizens are making it clear that they do not support Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
Protests against the invasion began in Russia on Thursday, February 24 and have continued since, according to TIME. Demonstrators are marching between city centers throughout Russia, chanting “no to war!” despite the threat of arrest.
Since protests began, over 2,000 people have been arrested, and over 5,500 have been detained by Russian police, according to Reuters.
2. Neighboring countries are welcoming Ukrainian refugees
According to the UNHCR, an estimated 660,000 refugees have already fled Ukraine, and warned it could create "Europe’s largest refugee crisis this century."
Almost immediately, neighboring countries like Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia committed to welcoming refugees from Ukraine, setting up stations at the border to process refugees and provide care for anyone injured.
Germany even said it “will take in all Ukrainians fleeing” from the Russian invasion of their country.
While we wish these countries had been as welcoming to refugees in the midst of recent crises like Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, Palestine, Ethiopia, and other recent humanitarian crises throughout the world — we're glad these countries are committing to providing a safe place of refuge for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.
And we hope that by doing this good, each of these countries will be inspired to continue providing a safe place for all refugees — regardless of what they look like or where they come from.
If you live in the U.S., your state may be preparing to welcome Ukrainian refugees as well. Unfortunately, funding for refugee programs was cut drastically, so there’s a good chance they need more help than usual.
Find the refugee agency where you live, and reach out to see how you can help support them right now. There are also other creative ways to help refugees around the world.
The U.S. also has a historically low refugee cap right now. Contact your elected officials, express your care and concern for what’s happening in Ukraine right now, thank them for the swift action in imposing sanctions on Russia — and ask them to take further swift, helpful action by increasing the number of refugees the U.S. accepts.
3.. Organizations are responding to support Ukrainians
While a number of Ukrainian organizations are working around the clock on the front lines to support civilians with protective gear, humanitarian aid, and even safety for their pets, other global organizations are responding to this crisis.
We know we can’t highlight every single organization showing up for Ukrainians (it’s a good problem to have — so many amazing first responders are doing their part!), but here are a few providing on-the-ground support as the conflict unfolds:
World Central Kitchen
When disaster is happening in the world, Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen are not far behind or far away. One day after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, Chef Andrés shared a video to Twitter and said, “Like you, I am distraught watching Ukraine under attack. We must come together as a force for good!”
World Central Kitchen had arrived on the border between Poland and Ukraine, and were already serving meals to refugees and civilians in need. The first night alone they served “1,700 hot meals of chicken, rice & veggies” to the thousands of people crossing the border. And ever since, they’ve been partnering with local food trucks and restaurants to provide meals to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine.
Chef José and World Central Kitchen have been sharing updates on social media. They’re planning to expand their locations to Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania. You can support their efforts with a donation.
In addition, Flags For Good is selling Ukrainian flags for folks to show their support worldwide. 25 percent of profits from each flag sold will go to support World Central Kitchen.
Global Empowerment Mission
Global Empowerment Mission is a Miami-based organization founded in 2011 as a first-responder to global crises. Right now, their team is on the ground in Medyka, Poland, using donations to buy refugees plane and train tickets to help them reach loved ones in Europe. Their project works in three different phases to help those affected by crises: Disaster Relief, Gap Period, and Sustainability. This gives us hope that their work will continue for Ukrainians as they rebuild in the coming months, as well.
Global Empowerment Mission posts live updates on their website and social media feeds, so you can stay up to date with how donations are being used through direct action. Support them with a donation online.
International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been working around the clock to assist Ukrainians in need. According to a statement on their website, the ICRC has delivered 3,000 liters of potable water to the Dokuchaevsk hospital and 7,000 liters to the Donetsk municipality.
They have also been visiting detention centers with personal hygiene and nutrition items. Barring safety and security, their team also plans to repair vital infrastructure in Ukraine, support health facilities with equipment, and support families with food and hygiene items.
Supporters can make a donation to help provide clean water and living necessities to those at the center of the conflict.
UNICEF
UNICEF has mobilized emergency support for families fleeing Ukraine. The organization provides humanitarian relief areas inside the hardest hit areas of Ukraine, and is working to set up 26 “Blue Dot” safe spaces in bordering countries, each able to provide relief for 3,000 - 5,000 people per day.
These safe spaces provide information to fleeing families, psychosocial support, referrals to social workers and health services, and reunification efforts for children who have become separated from their families. Donate to support their efforts.
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