How to Help People in Ukraine Right Now

As the Russian military invasion of Ukraine has unfolded, so too has a full-blown humanitarian crisis. "Heavy weapons fire along the line of contact has already damaged critical water infrastructure and education facilities in recent days," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine M. Russell. "Unless the fighting subsides, tens of thousands of families could be displaced, dramatically escalating humanitarian needs."

If you want to help the people of Ukraine, but you’re not sure how, the best way to get involved from abroad is through your wallet. Large international aid organizations are working around the clock to assist displaced families, as are regional grassroots groups. To keep the good works going, consider donating to one of the organizations listed below.

UNICEF

UNICEF’s emergency interventions in Ukraine include providing health, hygiene, and education supplies; providing safe drinking water to conflict-affected areas; protecting children separated from their families; and working on the ground to provide emergency assistance. Donate here.

The International Rescue Committee

Representatives from the International Rescue Committee are currently meeting with organizations in Poland and Ukraine, with the goal of gauging refugees’ needs and responding as quickly as possible. Though you can donate any amount you’d like to provide food, medical care, and emergency supplies, the organization emphasizes that $108 will provide temporary shelter for eight displaced families. Donate here.

Vostok SOS

Vostok SOS maintains an emergency aid hotline for Ukrainians; those who call in can receive assistance with evacuation, as well as humanitarian aid and psychosocial support. Donate here.

Médicins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders

MSF runs a variety of programs in Ukraine, working with local organizations to help people travel to health care facilities, access prescribed medications, and raise awareness about common health challenges. The organization also offers mental healthcare and coordinates a Covid-19 response effort. Though MSF is still formulating its emergency action plan for Ukraine, you can donate here now.

Voices of Children

Voices of Children, a charitable foundation based in Ukraine, focuses on addressing the psychological effect of armed conflict on young children. Founded in 2015 in response to conflict in Eastern Ukraine, the organization provides art therapy, mobile psychologists, and individual therapy to affected children. Donate here.

Sunflower of Peace

Started years ago to provide backpacks of medical supplies to frontline doctors, Sunflower of Peace is currently providing backpacks to Ukrainian soldiers, volunteers, and citizens. According to the group’s website, “Each backpack is designed for groups of 5 to 10 people and includes a variety of first aid supplies: bandages, anti hemorrhagic medicine like Quikclot and Celox, medical instruments, and a means for survival in extreme conditions.” Donate through this fundraising page on Facebook.

CARE

International aid juggernaut CARE is providing food, water, and hygiene supplies to Ukrainians displaced by armed conflict. The group hopes to build a fund that can reach four million people in need, especially women, girls, and the elderly. Donate here.

Save the Children

Save the Children notes that 7.5 million Ukrainian children are in grave danger; the organization is currently working to provide food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance. "We are gravely concerned for children in Ukraine, Afghanistan and around the world who might be caught in the middle of armed conflict, forced to flee their homes and exposed to injury, hunger and sub-zero temperatures," their website reads. Donate here.

Kyiv Independent

Journalists at this English-language newspaper have done extraordinary work covering the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at great risk to their families, their homes, and their personal safety. Now, the paper is soliciting donations via GoFundMe. Donate here.

The Ukrainian Red Cross

The Ukrainian Red Cross is helping those at the frontlines of the war, as well as those in the country in need of food and shelter. Donate here.

Kyiv School of Economics

Along with Ukrainian businesses and state-owned companies, the Kyiv School of Economics has launched a highly-successful campaign to "provide food supplies, transportation, refugees help for Ukrainian citizens affected by the war," as well as resources for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Ukrainian Paramedic Association, and the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces. Donate here.

World Central Kitchen

Since 2010, World Central Kitchen has sent chefs to disaster areas, with the goal of giving hot meals to victims who need them. World Central Kitchen is currently aiding Ukraine and nearby countries affected by the war. Donate here.