How to Help Ukraine: Donations, Resources, and More

By: Valeria Ramos

After Russia invaded Ukraine last week, many of us are feeling helpless, anxious, and asking ourselves, “What can I do to help?” That is a tough question right now because getting resources, aid, and volunteer on the ground is incredibly difficult. If you’re wondering how to help Ukraine, continue reading for resources and donation opportunities that can help provide the people of Ukraine with essential supplies as they fend off war in their country.

How to help Ukraine

BStrong Foundation: Help get refugees out and aid in

• Bethenny Frankel’s foundation has been on the ground at the Poland/Ukraine border providing emergency assistance, primarily helping refugees get out and getting aid in. Donations help pay for trains, flights, and the relocation of Ukrainians looking for a safe place to live temporarily. 100% of donations go directly to these efforts and BStrong provides updates regularly on their website and social media.

International Medical Corps: Help rush medical assistance

• International Medical Corps is helping people in Ukraine affected by the Russian invasion by increasing access to medical and mental health relief services. They work directly with local organizations to provide support to those living in areas affected by war. You can donate here.

Team Rubicon: Mobilizing veterans to help respond and recover from crises

• Team Rubicon serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service by helping people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humitarian crises. Their team is currently in Poland meeting with WHO and USAID to coordinate support as the situation unfolds. You can learn more and donate here.

UNICEF: Safe water access and child protection

• UNICEF has been working nonstop in eastern Ukraine, delivering lifesaving programs for affected children and families, including trucking safe water to conflict-affected areas and assisting children separated from family. You can learn more and donate here.

As needs in #Ukraine escalate in line with the conflict, UNICEF is rapidly stepping up emergency response efforts throughout the country, providing critical supplies, access to safe water, child protection and more.

Your support can make a difference: https://t.co/G1RjNWersH pic.twitter.com/OHyIZjk4zp

— UNICEF USA (@UNICEFUSA) February 24, 2022

Where to get the latest news

As important it is to make donations and provide donations if able, it’s also critical to stay informed on the latest updates and unfolding events when it comes to the invasion of Ukraine. Here are a few places where you can find the latest coverage of this dire event:

Breaking Points With Krystal and Saagar: Podcast and Youtube

• Breaking Points is an independent, anti-establishment news show free from bias or corporate backing. You can tune in on Youtube or wherever you get your podcasts to hear takes from progressive and modern Republican points of view. Watch their latest update on Ukraine here.

NBC News: Russia-Ukraine War Live Updates

• It can be difficult to find the latest, most up-to-date information when events are unfolding in Ukraine by the minute. However, NBC is providing continuous live coverage on the war in Ukraine that you can check for the latest updates.

Taking care of your mental health

Just as the world seemed to emerge from the pandemic, Vladimir Putin declares war. The result of Putin’s invasion means loss of lives, hunger, economic inflation, and an incredible amount of damage not only for Ukrainians but also for Russian civilians (many of whom oppose the war and are risking their freedom to protest it).

All of these historic events we are living through can feel overwhelming and it’s normal to feel anxious and depressed. However, it’s important to prioritize your mental health before you can help anyone else. Here are a few ways you can do that:

Cut back your social media time

Even though social media is a way for us to stay informed about the latest news, it can also be the source of our anxiety during this time. If you spend a lot of time reading the news or seeing updates on the internet, it can increase your worries. Experts suggest that you limit your news intake and social media intake each day to reduce anxiety and fear.

Get off the couch and move

Whether you run around your neighborhood or Youtube some exercise routines, staying active can help your mental health. It helps create a routine and set goals during these uncertain times. Staying active can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Plus, it can help you sleep better at night.

Reach out for help

Contact your local counselors and psychologists to see if they offer virtual meetings. There are also online services like BetterHelp or Talkspace that offer chatting, video chatting, and phone call options.