How CT can help Ukraine after Russian invasion
As thousands of Ukrainians flee their homes for safety amid Russia’s invasion this week, there are ways Connecticut residents can help.
Russia launched a “fullscale invasion” of Ukraine Thursday, sending troops and war planes into cities and military bases, the Associated Press reported. As of Friday, Russian troopers descended upon Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, according to the Associated Press.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said 137 people, including 10 military officers, were killed and 316 people were wounded in the attack, according to the Associated Press Thursday evening.
The United Nations reported on Friday that 25 civilian deaths and 102 injured, mostly from shelling and airstrikes. About 100,000 people are believed to have lost their homes in the violence.
“Now, more than ever, we need concrete support,” Zelensky tweeted Thursday.
Connecticut’s congressional delegation condemned the Russian attacks and supported sanctions imposed by President Joe Biden and other countries.
Here’s how Connecticut can help:
Americares
Stamford-based Americares, a nonprofit that provides medicine and medical supplies during conflicts and other emergencies, said it is prepared to respond to the conflict in Ukraine.
“Americares has contacted international emergency response partners on the ground in Ukraine and in Eastern Europe to offer assistance,” the organization said on its website. “Americares is prepared to deliver medicine, medical supplies and emergency funding to help families access essential health care services.”
To donate, go to the organization’s website.
The International Committee of the Red Cross
The ICRC says it will use funds to respond to urgent, humanitarian
needs. ICRC water engineers and doctors are aiming to help more than 3 million people access clean water as well as improve the living conditions of 66,000 people whose homes were damaged from the conflict.
Peter Maurer, the president of the ICRC, is calling for officials to uphold International Humanitarian Law and protect civilians and essential services.
To donate, go to ICRC.org/EN/Donate/ Ukraine.
The International Rescue
Committee
The IRC says it is on the ground in Poland and preparing to help displaced families. Funds will help the organization provide food, medical care and emergency supplies to refugee families in countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen.
To donate, go to Rescue.org or call 855-9RESCUE (855-9737283).
Come Back Alive Foundation
The Kyiv Independent, Ukrain’s English-language media outlet, recommends foreigners donate to Come Back Alive. The Kyiv-based charity provides Ukraine’s military with auxiliary equipment, specialized software, drones, personal body protection, training and other supplies.
People wishing to donate can go to SaveLife.In.ua/EN/Donate. There are several ways to donate on the website, either by clicking on the Fondy.eu link, or using Bitcoin.
UNICEF
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, or UNICEF, is ramping up its programs to help children in Ukraine. This includes helping provide safe water, healthcare, education and protection.
To donate, visit UNICEF.org.
Voices of Children This foundation provides psychological support to children affected by the war. This includes art therapy, mobile psychologists and other support.
To donate, visit Voices.org.ua/EN/Donat.
Vostok-SOS
Vostok is a non-governmental organization that helps find shelter for people who are displaced as well as helps people evacuate from conflict zones. The organization also provides humanitarian aid and psychological support.
To donate, visit Vostok-SOS.org/EN.
Support Ukrainian Journalism
Various entities set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Ukrainian media, including Ukrainska Pravada, Ukrainer, Liga.net, the Kyiv Independent and other outlets.
The funds will go toward supporting media in Ukraine, including purchasing security equipment, paying drivers and providing medical care.
The campaign is run by The Fix, Are We Europe, Jnomics, the Media Development Foundation and other media across outlets Europe.
To donate to the campaign, or view other support options, visit GoFundMe.com/F/ Keep-Ukraines-MediaGoing.