Since February 24, 2022, the unprovoked Russian siege on Ukraine has claimed over 4,000 lives, while displacing countless others. As recent data from the United Nations estimates, at least 4.8 million Ukrainian refugees have fled the country within the past several months to seek asylum in 44 nations across Europe.
As this conflict continues with more risk of casualties and more refugees in critical need of basic essentials to rebuild their futures, Ukraine deserves all the help it can get. If you want to be part of the global humanitarian effort to rally behind this courageous, resilient nation, but you’re not sure where to start, the following are some actionable ways to contribute to relief initiatives on the frontlines of the Ukrainian crisis.
Contribute Medical Supplies
More than 5,000 Ukrainians have been injured since this crisis began, the UN reports. In an armed conflict, access to emergency first response aid is often the difference between life or death, points out Will Wennberg, CEO of the medical supplies manufacturer TacMed Solutions. That’s why TacMed is increasing production of tourniquets and bandages to donate to first response teams on the ground. You can contribute to this effort, as well as other medical relief organizations such as the Ukrainian Red Cross or Doctors Without Borders.
Provide Meals on the Border
When civilians become refugees quite literally overnight, there’s not much time (if any) to make provisions for what lies ahead. Many refugees have escaped with just the bare minimum of essentials. Thus, upon their arrival in safe border countries, they need a meal—and that’s where World Central Kitchen (WCK) steps in. WCK founder Chef José Andrés has a team on the Polish-Ukrainian border offering hot, nutritious food to refugees. 39 million meals have been served thus far, and you can help fund this team’s work to continue providing more.
Pitch in Temporary Housing
As Ukrainians flood into Romania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and elsewhere, there’s the urgent istanbul escort question of where they can settle for the time being. With such a massive influx of displacement, the need for shelter is overwhelming, but Airbnb has a solution. This company is committed to help 100,000 Ukrainian refugees secure free temporary housing all over Europe, and there are two ways the public can contribute to this goal. Those who live in Europe can host a refugee family, and those in other continents can donate to offset the housing costs.
Help Marginalized Ukrainians
In any crisis, marginalized communities are often the most vulnerable to harm—and this Russian-Ukrainian conflict is tragically no different. Civilians with disabilities or chronic illness, as well as racial minorities and those who identify as LGBTQ+ experience a higher risk of systemic barriers or discrimination on top of the war itself. As a recent Time Magazine article reports, many refugees of color have escaped Ukraine only to encounter racism at the borders. If you want to help combat this marginalization, here are a few initiatives to support:
- African Diaspora Haven: aids Africans fleeing Ukraine or stuck inside.
- Voices of Children: aids Ukrainian children who are injured or refugees.
- Fight for Right: aids Ukrainians who can’t escape due to illness or disability.
- Outright Action International: aids Ukrainians who identify as LGBTQ+.
Ukrainians Need Support—Every Action Counts
As Russia continues its rampage on Chernihiv, Donetsk, Odesa, Mariupol, Luhansk and other war-torn regions, Ukrainians need as much relief as possible. Many are still trapped within the country, while others must face an unstable new normal as refugees.
Fortunately, organizations have mobilized on the Ukrainian borders to help. So that’s where the rest of us come in. No matter how much you’re able to contribute to these initiatives right now, any action can have a cumulative—and life-saving—impact.