War broke out in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with Russia invading multiple Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv, Kyiv, Kherson, and Mariupol. An estimated 227 civilians (as of March 4) had already been killed during this conflict, with numbers rapidly rising.

People worldwide feel desperate and helpless, thinking there’s nothing they can do to help. That’s not true, however. There are many ways for people not directly involved in the conflict to make a difference and support Ukraine.

One way to help is by donating. Many charities are now accepting donations to help their on-the-ground relief efforts in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian chapter of the International Red Cross is one place to donate to. 

“Our operations in the country are among the ten largest ICRC operations worldwide with a team of over 600 staff members,” the ICRC Ukrainian chapter website reads. “Working closely with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, we are increasing our response to the humanitarian needs in Ukraine. Our support to people includes emergency assistance such as food, water, and other essential items. We also support hospitals and primary healthcare facilities with medical equipment and emergency preparedness.” 

Another organization utilizing donations to help Ukraine is Catholic Relief Services. 

“There is [a] great risk of additional suffering both within Ukraine and for those who may flee to neighboring countries for safety,” the CRS’ Ukrainian subpage reads. “CRS and our partners are preparing, and we need immediate support to meet both ongoing needs, as well as those related to families forced to flee their homes as the situation intensifies.”

A third organization is Voices of the Children, which focuses on serving “the psychological needs of [Ukranian] children affected by the war… since 2015” (The Washington Post).

One final organization to donate to is a local one, Utah Ukrainian Association. 

“We have a team in Poland, and all supplies will be shipped there…,” their website reads. “Once the supplies are delivered, they will be taken to the border of Ukraine.”

Protesting is another effective way of helping. The Utah Ukrainian Association has organized protests, and other local protests for Ukraine are visible at this link.

Signing petitions is another way to show solidarity and help the Ukrainian people. Change.org has a subpage with all the petitions people made to help Ukraine. There are also more petitions are available on other websites, like MoveOn.

An unconventional way of helping was demonstrated by Floridians renting VRBOs in Ukraine (not planning on checking in) to help the host(s). There are other similar ways to give funds to Ukrainians, such as buying art from Ukraine or supporting Ukrainian-owned businesses here in the States.

Contacting elected representatives to express personal views on the war/ US support is another way to make a difference. There are form letters like this one and this one (addressed to President Biden) by the International Rescue Committee that can be used as a starting point.

During this challenging time, Americans must rally to support the Ukrainian people.