Tensions in Eastern Europe erupted less than a week ago after Vladimir Putin and Russia carried out a full-scale invasion of its neighboring country Ukraine. The conflict is still very much unfolding, with hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing their homeland for nearby nations while its small military — now bolstered by citizens taking up arms — continues to fight back against Russia’s robust arsenal.
If you’re wondering how you can help Ukraine right now, there are plenty of organizations actively working on the ground and providing aid to those in need. From cooking food for refugees crossing the border to delivering lifesaving medical supplies to the front lines, these 10 groups are galvanizing the response effort in different ways.
Global Giving
The nonprofit Global Giving created an emergency relief fund for refugees, as more than half a million Ukrainians who’ve left the country need food, shelter, and water. It also assists with physical and mental health care, as well as education and economic aid in the long run.
Save the Children
Save the Children is a century-old global organization working to provide humanitarian aid to kids all over the world, particularly those trying to flee conflict areas in extreme weather. They say that they’re primarily focused on children in Ukraine and Afghanistan right now, and a donation of just $50 can feed three children for a month.
Razom for Ukraine
The nonprofit organization Razom for Ukraine is working with several Ukraine-centered nonprofits, including Nova Ukraine, United Help Ukraine, Sunflower of Peace, Euromaidan-Warszawa, and Revived Soldiers Ukraine, to bring emergency medical supplies and other forms of humanitarian aid to the front lines.
Vostok SOS
The volunteer-run, Ukraine-based organization Vostok SOS has partnered with the Swiss-German nonprofit Libereco to help people flee the country and set them up with provisions once they’ve gotten out. It also provides trauma support to those dealing with the aftermath of shelling.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee works globally to help individuals and families who are forced from their home countries and must resettle elsewhere. They also have experience working with refugees from all over the world.
Kyiv Independent
For those who want to support Ukraine-based journalists who are reporting on the war effort, the Kyiv Independent, which provides English-language journalism, launched just three months ago and is trying to keep up with the demand for news. There’s a GoFundMe raising money to help its reporters.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
The U.N.’s High Commissioner for Refugees focuses on providing health care, legal assistance, on-the-ground care, and other forms of support to people worldwide who are fleeing conflicts. In particular, the United Nations is being called on to help African refugees who are experiencing widespread racism when trying to leave Ukraine.
World Central Kitchen
Renowned chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen crew are on the ground providing meals to thousands of people in Ukraine itself as well as refugees and volunteers at the borders of neighboring countries like Poland and Romania.
Sunflower of Peace
The U.S.-based medical nonprofit Sunflower of Peace focuses on creating tactical backpacks of supplies for doctors and other health-care professionals on the front lines of Ukraine. A Facebook fundraiser for the group states that each kit contains bandages, anti-hemorrhagic medicine, and medical instruments for five to 10 people.
United Help Ukraine
United Help Ukraine was created in 2014 during the geopolitical events around Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Its main focus is getting emergency kits and supplies to Ukrainians who are still in the country as well as those who are trying to flee.
Lily Herman is a New York-based writer, editor, and digital strategist. You can find her on Twitter.
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