The world watched in shock as the Russian military invaded Ukraine on February 24 and began targeting homes, hospitals, bridges and schools.
More than 2 million people—mostly women and children—have left to seek safety in neighboring Moldova, Poland and other European states amid the growing crisis in Ukraine.
The escalation of violence between Russia and Ukraine will lead to grave human suffering. Here are some ways you can help the people of Ukraine:
A family disembarks from the first train with Ukrainian refugees that arrived in Przemysl, Poland.
Photo: Maciej Luczniewski/NurPhoto
How to help Ukraine
Donate to organizations like the IRC
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has launched an emergency appeal to help support displaced families with critical aid.
We are on the ground in Poland, and working with local partners in both Poland and Ukraine. We are currently working through these partners to provide critical information services to some of the 1 million people that have arrived in Poland from Ukraine. We are also procuring medical supplies and essential items such as sleeping bags and blankets for distribution at reception centers on the Ukrainian/Polish border.
In Ukraine, we are working to quickly mobilize resources and connect with partners to establish a response that will provide life-saving support to civilians forced to flee their homes.
One of the best ways you can help right now is by rushing an emergency donation to help us assist those in crisis in Ukraine and around the world.
The IRC is consistently awarded top marks by charity watchdog groups for our efficient use of donor contributions and the effectiveness of our work. Read more reasons to give to the IRC.
Get informed about the situation
The Russian invasion has the potential to create the worst humanitarian crisis Europe has seen in decades. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations has warned that up to 5 million people could be displaced from Ukraine.
Even before the attacks began on February 24, Ukrainians' lives were affected by armed conflict. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and began backing pro-Russian separatists in parts of eastern Ukraine. Over the past eight years, fighting in this region has uprooted 850,000 Ukrainians from their homes, and placed 3 million people in need of aid.
You can get up to speed on the situation here.
Show Ukrainians your support
The IRC stands in solidarity with the people and families of Ukraine whose lives are being impacted by the invasion. One way you can show them your support is by sharing this post:
What world leaders can do to help Ukrainians
People in Ukraine and those fleeing the country must be protected. Unless the international community acts now, the world will bear witness to even more death and destruction inside Ukraine as well as massive displacement inside the country and across Europe.
Protect people in Ukraine
The IRC strongly backs the United Nations Secretary General’s call to protect civilians in line with international humanitarian law. Ukrainians urgently need an immediate ceasefire and a political solution that spares lives and prevents suffering. The UN Charter must be respected and international humanitarian law followed, including the protection of schools and hospitals.
Eugenia Mazur, 26, holds her 2-year-old son Andrey. Eugenia, her husband Igor, and their five young children live roughly 10 miles from the Donetsk frontlines in Gornyak, Ukraine.
Photo: Imago/Pacific Press Agency
Welcome refugees
Countries bordering Ukraine must prepare to welcome their neighbors who have been forced to flee their homes. The international community must scale up funding for services to support refugees and asylum seekers. People must be allowed to move freely, and aid agencies must be granted access to everyone in need of aid.
Europe must not just offer protection to Ukrainian nationals who have visa-free access to the EU, but to people of all citizenship and nationalities fleeing Ukraine who face grave dangers as conflict escalates.
Get funds to where they are needed most
The world must prepare for the worst and get funds to relief services inside and outside Ukraine. This will save lives and alleviate human suffering.
Stand united in calling for an end to violence in Ukraine
The international community must remain united and apply diplomatic pressure to focus on a political settlement.
