Ukraine: What can you do?

‘After I was taken into captivity, I began to appreciate freedom a lot. I hear the birds singing. I’m glad that the sun shines. I like the snow, I don’t get bored in winter, which lasts for a long time now. You begin to appreciate life; you don’t just exist – you live.’

– Gayde Rizaeva, held prisoner for 98 days

In 2014, Russia began a military intervention in Ukraine. Five former prisoners, ordinary Ukrainians, shared their stories in a short documentary titled ‘Tangible Freedom,’ by DocNoteFilms. Gayde Rizaeva is one of them.

The war in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014 and in early 2022 the Ukrainian people faced an unimaginable reality. On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Ukrainians have been confronted each day with persistent violations of international humanitarian law – including indiscriminate attacks (i.e. attacks that may strike legitimate targets and civilians or civilian objects without distinction).

Many women fled to safety leaving their homes behind and many are on the frontline today as members of the military or medical personnel, volunteer units, journalists and reporters, and other key or essential workers; many are sheltering in air-raid shelters taking care of their children, pregnant or giving birth.

What can you do to show your support for Ukraine, its people, and its defenders? You can help Ukraine to win the war against Russia. See the information below to find an option that works for you. Your gift goes a long way.

• The National Bank of Ukraine opened a special account to raise funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• It’s possible to make donations to support logistics of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in foreign currency.
• Monobank created a simple page for those who want to support Ukraine’s army in the war against Russia.
• Come Back Alive Foundation accepts donations in cryptocurrency and more. For more info, visit comebackalive.in.ua.

You can also act locally, including by joining local protests, events, and initiatives.

We stand in support of the country of Ukraine and its people for peace.

Photo credit: Sima Ghaffarzadeh, Pexels (Vancouver, Canada)

‍