Smoke shooting up into the air in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv.Photo: Kyodo via AP Images
Russia began an invasion of Ukraine earlier this week, according to the Ukraine government, with forces moving from the north, east and south. The attack is still evolving but explosions and airstrikes have been reported, with threats mounting against the capital, Kyiv, a city of 2.8 million people.
Numerous residents have been seen trying to flee.
“We are facing a war and horror. What could be worse?” one 64-year-old woman living in Kyiv told theAssociated Press.
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In some cities on Thursday, Ukrainian civilians began fleeing and a stay-at-home order was issued, according toCNN. Locals were advised to prepare bags with necessities and documents in case of evacuation.
Here are some of the ways you can help the people of Ukraine amid the evolving crisis.
Mariupol, Ukraine, on Thursday.Evgeniy Maloletka/AP/Shutterstock
The Red Cross
The Red Cross is on the ground working to help those in Ukraine rebuild and survive amid the ongoing conflict.
“For example, to help families in the Donbas, the region where fighting is taking place, we helped repair thousands of homes damaged in the conflict, hospitals and primary healthcare facilities, schools and community centers,” Eliza Gorham Shaw, a spokesperson for theInternational Committee of the Red Cross, told theLos Angeles Timesof their ongoing aid efforts.
The fighting in Ukraine also impacts “every aspect of efforts to keep going with the most basic, mundane, routine tasks,” Shaw said.
“Damage to essential infrastructure such as water, gas and power supplies, mostly as a result of explosive weapons, has caused cuts and shortages, with huge knock-on effect for communities far beyond the immediate area of fighting,” she explained.
Donations to the ICRC, which is working alongside the Ukrainian Red Cross, will help deliver “urgent assistance” like food, water, fuel, medical supplies and housing support for people in need.
More information can be found on itswebsiteandFacebook page.
Nova Ukraine
Nova Ukraineis a U.S.-based non-profit that works with activists and other organizations in Ukraine to help provide humanitarian aid to vulnerable groups and individuals.
In addition to monetary donations, those interested in helpingcan also donatechildren’s shoes and clothing, as well as bedding, personal hygiene items, wheelchairs and more.
UNICEF
TheUnited Nations Children’s Fundsays they are currently “working across eastern Ukraine to scale up life-saving programs for children.”
“This includes trucking safe water to conflict-affected areas; prepositioning health, hygiene and emergency education supplies as close as possible to communities near the line of contact; and working with municipalities to ensure there is immediate help for children and families in need,” executive director Catherine M. Russel said in astatement.
More information can be found on itswebsite.
Revived Soldiers Ukraine
Revived Soldiers Ukrainehelps provide medication and medical supplies to hospitals in eastern Ukraine, located near the front lines of conflict.
Irina Vashchuk Discipio, the org’s president who was born in Ukraine but currently lives in Florida, made a public plea on Facebook Thursday,asking for donationsto help wounded soldiers and civilians as well as provide support for military hospitals.
United Help Ukraine
United Help Ukraineprovided humanitarian relief and medical aid. The non-profit organization is currentlyraising moneyto help support those living near the front lines of the conflict as well as those who have been injured or forced to leave their homes.
In addition to making donations, the organization encourages people who are concerned about the crisis to stay informed, help spread awareness about the situation overseas andcontact their representatives.
International Medical Corps
TheInternational Medical Corpsis a global first responder which is deploying mobile medical units in Ukraine. The units are staffed with medical professionals providing healthcare and mental health services
More information can be found on the International Medical Corps’website.
source: people.com
