We here in Charlottesville and those around the world have seen the Russian military invasion of Ukraine unfold over the last few weeks. Ukraine and its people face immense and immediate danger against the siege of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has unleashed the most significant war in Europe since WWII, intending to overrun the current Ukrainian government and end its desire to join the Western defensive alliance Nato. A vast humanitarian crisis has emerged among the foreign conflict as the violence has continued. Over 3 million civilians have been displaced. An estimated 1 million refugees have fled, heading towards neighboring countries including Hungary, Poland, and Western Europe. Thousands have been killed as war crimes have emerged through the ashes of this recent conflict. 

While the world watches through social media screens or daily news networks, Ukrainian people are left to shelter in underground bunkers close to home; often without adequate medical or healthcare supplies, food, clothing, or other necessities needed for daily life. Amid the harrowing accounts of the tragedy, many organizations and humanitarian relief workers have been desperately trying to scramble for aid for the civilian population still in Ukraine and those who have been displaced throughout this emerging war. 

Below are ways YOU can help provide aid and care for the millions of people struggling through this tragedy (click the title to be directed to the website). 

UNICEF: This non-exhaustive organization supports nutrition, health, education, HIV prevention, and protection for families and children caught in the conflict in Ukraine. 

Voices of Children: Outside of a physical means, this Ukrainian-based organization helps provide physiological and psychosocial support to children directly affected by the armed conflict. By providing therapeutic support in art therapy, mobile psychologists, and video storytelling, support for kids is found in ways that will aid in the development of their life through the trauma they have been exposed to early on. 

International Committee of the Red Cross: In supportive work with the Ukrainian Red Cross, this Switzerland-based program is helping people across the country who have been affected by the conflict in multiple ways. The Red Cross organization is there to promote the rules of war and try to protect those affected by the recent claims of war crimes that have preceded the conflict. The ICRC has and continues to support others, provide emergency assistance such as food, water, and other essential items, and support hostels and primary care facilities dealing with emergency preparedness. 

UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): The international organization aims to provide emergency assistance to those struggling in Ukraine and support families who have had their lives blown up before their eyes. The UNHCR primarily works to provide cash assistance and opportunities to families trying to re-settle in the US. Based on humanitarian aid, the agency also raises the alarm about the risks of sexual exploitation and abuse which may stem from disposition. It helps ensure people forced to flee their homes are sheltered and safe. 

For those who aren’t in a position to make direct donations to humanitarian organizations or Ukrainian people, there are various ways in which support can be shown from the outside. By rallying for rights, supporting international backing measures to help desecration of the conflict, and even putting “We Support Ukraine” signs up in one’s yard, every effort helps towards the primary goal of helping ease the country’s suffering. 

Stay informed about the conflict: Staying informed is absolutely crucial to helping Ukraine and understanding the state of the country the civilians are in. Humane feelings may only come from compassionate understanding. This war has become one of the most significant humanitarian crises of the century. Being up to date on information can enable one to engage in conversation following the subject and allow oneself to share information on resources with those who surround them. Being educated on the state of the world and other countries will never be heard, but stepping out of one’s Charlottesville bubble to face the issues haunting the world, is the first step of any aid. 

Circulate accurate information: One of Russia’s favorite weapons of war on their territory and others is the use of disconfirmation and amplification of false truths. Disnimration from Russian sources is used to protect their own government and gaslight the counties own civilians into a false sense of calmness and justice. Through social media, Russia can reach various countries and spread propaganda and fake news messages to a global audience, further evoking support for false narratives and amplifying its harm to civilians. To combat this tactic of war, CHS students and civilians all around the country should use cautious search premises on social platforms and follow credible news sources. 

Welcome Ukrainian refugees and provide basic supplies within the community: With European nations under stress with more and more Ukrainian citizens feeling under-serge cities, the United States will begin to welcome up to 100,000 refugees from terrorized areas. Whether or not Charlottesville experiences a large influx of refugees, students and families can help by leaving out open arms for hand-in-hand support. By making sure there are basic supplies, available housing units, and job opportunities for Ukraiains coming into our area, help can be naturally exerted and make a significant impact in the long run. 

While the current flood of help from many countries will slow as the weeks drag by, this conflict and devastation will stay a reality for the Ukrainian people. Unity is now more critical than ever, and helping in any way one can build up through the masses will drastically impact the lives of these Ukrainians who have had their lives taken out from under them.