“I was born in a peaceful Europe. But today my family is stuck in Kyiv. My father, brothers, and childhood friends are fighting with guns in their hands, while my mum and six and eight-year-old nieces are sheltering from bombs. They all got attacked while the country was sleeping,” - Olya Kuryshchuk
What can we do to help Ukraine?
In the face of a humanitarian crisis, it's understandable to feel powerless. Especially when social media and live news channels present us with real-time, shocking glimpses of the conflict. It's easy to feel lost with feelings of hopelessness, or understanding how you can begin to help from afar. So, we've come up with a list of a few things you can do...
5 actionable ways to support Ukraine
1) DONATE TO CHARITIES
UN Crisis Relief has set up a donations page, as has The British Red Cross. United Help Ukraine is a local charity that raises funds for humanitarian aid and medical supplies or you could donate to Voices of Children, which is working on the ground to help young people affected.
2) WRITE TO YOUR MP
This serves as an important way to help encourage the British government to put in place further sanctions on the Russian government. All the contact details for UK members of parliament can be found here and here, while the Ukrainian Institute in London has prepared draft template letters here.
3) BUY FROM UKRAINIAN BRANDS
By shopping from Ukranian brands you're investing in local business and therefore providing financial support. Check out this article with a list of some to choose from: https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/shopping/ukrainian-fashion-brands-768358
3) BE WARY OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Although TikTok and Instagram serve as important ways to share information quickly and influence people to take action, they can also circulate false information. It's crucial you only share fact based information. On Instagram Stand With Ukraine, Svidomi, and Ukranians in Solidarity are all good accounts to follow.
4) AMPLIFY THE VOICES OF THOSE ON THE GROUND.
In order to help Ukrainians communicate effectively and to find reliable sources to share you can check out - Kyiv Independent and the New Voice of Ukraine, who are covering developments as the conflict unfolds, using local journalists who are grappling to defend editorial independence.
