As war rages in Ukraine, it is only natural for people around the world to want to help.
When Vladimir Putin's troops invaded Ukraine, much of the world recoiled in horror. Many people, feeling somewhat helpless from the safety of their homes, were asking themselves the same question: "How can I help?"
While members of the public cannot supply javelins and anti-aircraft weaponry, or impose the sanctions the UK government has now put in place, they can turn their attention to financial aid.
During war, information can get exaggerated or twisted, and malicious disinformation in the form of fake charities may get in the way of people trying to do a good thing.
Well-meaning people can try and raise money without being aware of the means to get it to where they want it to go, but thankfully new guides by a Reddit user and Ukrainian researchers has been published for people wanting to help.
Research fellow and freelance journalist Jane Lytvynenko went as far as saying: "Don't send thoughts, send money."
So how can you help Ukraine?
How can I help Ukraine?
There are numerous ways people can help the situation in Ukraine, including charity donations and protesting.
Many of us have been affected by the images of war caused by the brutal and barbaric actions of Putin's Russian forces.
The Ukrainian Institute London (UIL) recommend the following:
- Charity donations
- Joining or holding local demonstrations
- Writing to your local MP
Director Olesya Khromeychuk told the Mirror: "Ukraine now is the battleground for freedom and democracy in Europe. Russian troops are already in Kyiv and civilians are being killed. Stopping Putin matters to us all. It will come at a cost to us all but first to the people of Ukraine. Ukraine is carrying the burden for all of us.
"In the UK, thankfully, there is support for Ukraine and condemnation of the Kremlin across the political spectrum. The public and visible support of people in the UK makes a difference to people in Ukraine. Write to your MP, donate to charities in Ukraine, join us at demonstrations in London and elsewhere."
It is clear that sanctions may not be enough to stop Putin although the stronger they are, the better.
There were plenty of people with Ukrainian flags waiting in the cold outside the Russian Embassy in London last night.
Chants of "stop the war" rang out into the chilly air, sung by Brits, Ukrainians and outraged Russians alike, and while the brief flurries of anger-fuelled songs might not cause Putin to take notice, there is ample opportunity for support to be shown on social media to people in Ukraine.
What charities are there that can help in Ukraine?
Both UIL and a Reddit user have put together a list of charities people can donate to. It includes charities that provide Ukraine's armed forces with equipment and protection, localised reporting on the ground, and children's charities.
The following charities are just some of the groups helping in the country at the moment.
Military support
- Come Back Alive - Kyiv-based charity that fundraises for the country's armed forced. It provides supplies to military personnel including specialised software and protective equipment, as well as food and ammunition.
- Army SOS - "We deliver all goods directly to the unit’s emplacement and pass them right to the hands of our warriors."
Local journalism
- Kyiv Independent - Clear information is vital during times like this and the Kyiv Independent has been using its journalists to provide people with timely and verifiable information. This is particularly difficult while troops are attacking their surroundings from a country that is notoriously harsh on any voices of dissent
Humanitarian support
- British-Ukrainian Aid - Supports people who are the victims of war by providing medical aid.
- Razom for Ukraine - Delivers essential goods including medical supplies.
- Sunflower of Peace - Provides medical backpacks for paramedics and doctors.
- United Help Ukraine - It aims to "prepare humanitarian aid to civilians that might be directly affected if Russian forces attack".
Meanwhile, a partnership of Ukrainian church organisations, teaching associations and youth groups in the UK has set up the #HelpUkraine Emergency Appeal fund here.
They explained how far their donations go, with the list below:
- £8 - two woollen blankets for individuals or emergency shelters
- £23 - A food and hygiene pack for one adult for a month or 30 thermal foil blankets for emergency use
- £70 - A food and hygiene pack for a family of four for a month
- £500 - Towards crisis counselling and support services, and children's services
- £1,500 - A basic emergency medicine pack for 1,000 people for three months
- £3,700 - Medicine and pharmaceutical pack for 10,000 people for three months
A larger list of charities can be found on Reddit here, though it should be stressed people should be careful to verify any charity they are thinking of donating to before they part with their cash.
