Milos BicanskiGetty Images
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin began a “special military operation” against Ukraine, attacking the country and its people from three fronts and starting the first major European war in decades. For days, Russia has launched missiles and ground operations in an attempt to take control of Ukraine’s major cities, including the capital of Kyiv. Putin—who believes “Ukraine is an illegitimate country that exists on land that’s historically and rightfully Russian,” according to Vox—is trying to overthrow the Ukrainian government and oust its president. The invasion has forced at least 150,000 Ukrainians to flee to neighboring countries, while others have taken refuge in subway stations, using them as makeshift bomb shelters.
President Biden has announced that, in response, the United States will impose new sanctions on Russia, including on its banks. Biden said, “Putin is the aggressor. Putin chose this war. And now he and his country will bear the consequences.”
As citizens watching the violence unfold on the news and social media, it can be difficult to know what to do. Below, just a few ways you can help the people of Ukraine, from wherever you are:
Médecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders
While the organization has stopped medical activities in Ukraine, staff will stay in the country, and the organization is looking into sending teams to neighboring countries to assist those seeking refuge, according to Politico. The outlet reports that MSF is also preparing medical kits for dispatch.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Save the Children
Save the Children is providing “children and families with immediate aid, such as food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance,” per the organization’s website.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
The organization said in a statement the “UNHCR is working with the authorities, UN and other partners in Ukraine and is ready to provide humanitarian assistance wherever necessary and possible.” Currently, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are matching donations up to $1 million as the organization works to provide aid and protect those fleeing the country.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
CARE
CARE’s Ukraine Crisis Fund will be used to provide immediate aid such as food, water, hygiene kits, support services, and direct cash assistance. The fund is also prioritizing women and girls, families, and the elderly.
International Medical Corps
This global nonprofit provides health care and mental health services and has been in eastern Ukraine since 2014, per NPR. The organization is now preparing to deploy mobile medical teams for primary and emergency health services, mental health and psychosocial support, and COVID-19 prevention services for displaced populations, according to its website.
Voices of Children
This is a Ukraine-based organization that works with children, providing psychological support to those affected by war with art therapy and storytelling. The organization also provides financial support to families in need due to the effects of war.
Sunflower of Peace
This American nonprofit is raising money for first aid backpacks to support paramedics and doctors on the front lines.
Malteser International
This nonprofit, based in Malta, is collecting supplies for Ukrainians fleeing their homes, and the organization has said there’s a need for cots, blankets, food, medicine, and cash assistance.
This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Vostok SOS
Also based in Ukraine, Vostok SOS works with the German-Swiss NGO Liberico to support immediate evacuation efforts for Ukrainians fleeing their homes, per TIME. The organization also has a hotline for civilians in need and is working on providing trauma support for victims.
United Help Ukraine
This American volunteer nonprofit is currently raising money to send first aid kits, humanitarian relief, and emergency medical supplies to the front lines in Ukraine.
Nova Ukraine
Another US-based nonprofit, Nova works with other organizations based in Ukraine and is preparing to send diapers for children and adults, baby food, and hospital essentials, as well as dry food for a children’s orphanage in Donetsk.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io