On 24 February 2022, the news broke that Russia had launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and in the six months since we've witnessed a humanitarian crisis continue to unfold. In fact, by the end of July, the UN estimated that nearly 9 million people had fled Ukraine since the war broke out, and this number has risen exponentially in the three weeks since, and the governor of Donetsk is still calling on civilians still in the region to flee.
And though the number of social media posts from those in the diaspora and the scale of the national coverage has quietened, it only takes a quick Google to see the horrific scenes still unfolding there and hear the heartbreaking stories of those who have been impacted.
UN Women UK released a statement citing that: “An estimated 54% of people in need of assistance from the ongoing crisis are women, and women and girls are consistently disproportionately affected by conflict. More than 1.5 million people – two-thirds women and children – have been internally displaced since the start of the [Russian/Ukrainian] conflict in 2014 and now suffer from a lack of access to healthcare, housing and employment."
They also warned that these numbers will increase rapidly. “Women and girls are a high-risk group, exposed to heightened risks to their human rights. An increased number of women and girls caught in the conflicts will experience exacerbated forms of violence.
It's understandable to feel powerless in the face of international conflict – or to feel that you stood up and took action when the situation initially began – and it can be all too easy to feel get lost among these devastating reports or to grapple with feelings of helplessness and questions about how you can help from afar.
The vote takes place today.
With that in mind, GLAMOUR has compiled a roundup of the charities and resources that need our support at the moment.
How can you keep updated about the situation in Ukraine?
With so much news out there, and from so many different sources, it can be hard to discern where to go for reliable and up-to-date information on the developing conflict in Ukraine.
The following sites are our go-to's for information about the situation:
For reporting from within Ukraine, the following sites are all currently reliable:
- The Moscow Times - This is the only free English press in Russia, now under heavy threat from the government. They are currently asking for donations to help them continue their reporting. You can donate here.
- The Kyiv Independent
- The New Voice of Ukraine
How can you help?
If you're feeling helpless or confused about how to help, we understand, you're not alone. Many people have found themselves wanting to support Ukrainian civilians in some way but feeling stuck as to how to do so.
Sunflower for Peace offers medical assistance to Ukrainian people displaced by war. Earlier this year, the group asked for donations to prepare first aid medical backpacks for paramedics and doctors on the frontlines. These backpacks are filled with life-saving first aid supplies – bandages, medicine, medical instruments, and a means for survival in extreme conditions – and can save up to ten lives.
Project Hope is also trying to aid the urgent healthcare needs for people most impacted by the crisis. "Ukrainians have now spent nearly six months living in fear and uncertainty... There is still no end in sight to this terrible violence," the charity said on its website.
"Project HOPE is actively delivering medical supplies, repairing damaged hospitals, and providing mental health support to Ukrainians and families facing health crises in places like Ethiopia and Colombia. And we stay long after the headlines fade to help rebuild health care for the future."
You can donate here to help deliver urgently-needed medicine, supplies and aid to families at risk.
African students are being abused, attacked, and shot at trying to reach safety, because of the colour of their skin.
.jpg)
There are also many other organisations that have jumped into action to aid those directly affected by the devastation in Ukraine. UN Crisis Relief has set up a donations page, as has The British Red Cross. United Help Ukraine is a local charity that raises funds for humanitarian aid and medical supplies or you could donate to Voices of Children, which is working on the ground to help young people affected.
There are also many individuals who are fundraising or looking for donations.
Olia Hercules, for example, is a Ukrainian chef living in London whose parents and brothers back in Ukraine are arming up to help fight the Russian troops. Olia herself lives here with her children and so is unable to join the physical fight, but has set up CookForUkraine which aims to increase awareness of the humanitarian crisis the world faces right now, as well as raise the funds needed to aid children and families in Ukraine who have been displaced by the current situation. She has already managed to raise £773,717 and you can find out how to get involved here.
GoFundMe is also committed to helping the individuals and families seeking shelter, security, and peace and has an entire page dedicated to fundraisers set up by individuals, all reviewed to make sure that funds are delivered to the correct recipients. They're also verifying that donors and organizers are acting in compliance with international laws, including global financial laws and regulations and evolving economic sanctions. You can view fundraisers and donate via GoFundMe here.
You can also donate via UN Women UK which are working to ensure that women, especially those who are displaced, survivors of violence, HIV positive, Roma women, and disabled women, are not left behind. UN Women is working to ensure that women and girls’ rights are upheld during times of peace, and now, in this frightening time of war.
“Your donation can help address the needs of women in Ukraine and for those who are fleeing the violence into neighbouring countries, including those experiencing violence at a time of urgent crisis,” the website explains.
You can donate to UN Women UK here.
The new laws designed for greater internet safety are set to be approved by the House of Commons.
It's also worth researching what organisations in your local area are doing to raise funds for the people of Ukraine. For example, V22 Libraries in Lewisham is collecting donations for Ukrainian people caught up in the conflict. Make sure you check what the organisation has actually requested before making your donation, as many have reported being overwhelmed by clothes donations.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Campaign groups are also encouraging UK citizens to send an email to their MP, urging them to support Ukraine and push for more sanctions. The Prime Minister has now relaxed visa requirements to allow immediate family members to join Ukrainians settled in the UK, but there’s still more that can be done. You can find your MPs contact details here — it takes less than ten minutes.
To see a full list of charities and organisations that can help; head to the Ukrainian Institute London.
