Since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24th, news feeds have been dominated by reports and photos of the ever-expanding humanitarian crisis engulfing Ukraine. As men are being compelled to stay in the country and fight, women and children have been displaced by the millions, creating one of the most dire and extreme refugee crises in Europe since World War II. While it seems that Vladimir Putin and the Russian government expected a weak or even non-existent defense of a much smaller and poorer country, Ukrainians have made a robust defense of their homeland which shows no sign of bending to Russia’s will to conquer. As a result, Ukraine’s refugees will likely need support for some time to come.
If you have the means and feel moved to help, here are some ways to support Ukraine during these difficult times.
To donate medical supplies:
Razom for Ukraine: Razom, meaning “together” in Ukrainian, is a volunteer charity organization that was originally founded in 2014 to support Ukrainians after Russia annexed Crimea.
Fundraiser for Sunflower of Peace: Sunflower of Peace’s fundraiser aims to provide first-aid backpacks to paramedics and doctors on the front lines. Each backpack contains enough tactical first-aid supplies for five to ten people.
Revived Soldiers Ukraine: This nonprofit provides medical aid to Ukrainian soldiers and provides support to their families.
Medical Teams International: This humanitarian aid agency is deploying a team to Ukraine and working with partners to deliver critical medical supplies to those on the ground.
To help children affected by the war:
Voices of Children: This organization helps provide psychological and psychosocial support to Ukrainian children affected by armed conflict.
International Rescue Committee: The IRC is on the ground in Poland, helping children and families who have fled from Ukraine.
ChildFund International: Founded in 1983, ChildFund offers international financial support to children in need. Donate to its German organization, ChildFund Deutschland, which is providing emergency-aid kits to children and families in Ukraine.
To support BIPOC & LGBTQ+ refugees:
The Coalition to Support Black People in Ukraine: This fundraiser aims to help Black people facing racism and being turned back as they try to flee the country. Funds will go toward paying relocation fees and connecting Black refugees with their families, as well as food and other practical supplies.
QUA: QUA-LGBTQ is an organization connecting LGBTQ Ukrainians LGBTQ with allies in the United States. Your donations will go toward emergency support for the Ukrainian LGBTQ community in conflict-stricken areas.
Urgent Action Fund For Women’s Human Rights: Donations to this organization’s Ukraine Response Fund will support women, trans, and nonbinary activists in Ukraine and surrounding countries.
To support journalists in Ukraine:
The Kyiv Independent: You can support Ukraine’s English-language media outlet through GoFundMe or via Patreon.
Free Press Unlimited: This Netherlands-based organization works to protect journalists worldwide. Donate to their “Media Lifeline for Ukraine” here.
Keep Ukraine’s Media Going: Donations to this GoFundMe will help Ukrainian media outlets relocate to other countries and set up offices there.
You can find even more ways to help at the NY Mag website here.