How to help the people of Ukraine during humanitarian crisis

Ukrainian refugees child seen at train station in Przemysl, Poland on February 24, 2022.

(Image credit: Maciej Luczniewski/NurPhoto /Getty Images)

published 25 February 2022

If you're wondering how to help the people of Ukraine as their country is facing invasion from the Russian military, you're not alone. The world has been watching in horror as the ongoing humanitarian crisis increased rapidly, after eight years of tension between the two countries.

Air raid sirens sound out regularly across the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, leaving people with no option but to leave their homes, retreat to bomb shelters, and makeshift refuges in subway stations.

As bombs rain down, tanks roll in, and the ravages of war rip through the country—casualties and fatalities are increasing at a terrifying rate.

Forbes report that Ukrainian officials say anything from 3 to 5 million of their civilians could become refugees and with each minute that figure seems more likely.

It's possible to feel powerless; observing the horrors unfolding as we speak via news updates and social media—but there are ways you can help. Despite many kind people's efforts to collect urgently needed household items, clothes, blankets, food etc—logistically, getting trucks in and out of a war torn country is incredibly difficult. Instead, if you can, it's time to dig deep into your pocket.

By donating money to charities on the ground in Ukraine, you can provide much-needed funds to those working to help save lives and protect the welfare of civilians.

Here are some organizations currently appealing for assistance and how you can contribute to their efforts to help those impacted by this humanitarian crisis.

Caman Denysenko tries to calm his spooked cat as he joins hundreds of people seeking shelter underground, on the platform, inside the dark train cars, and even in the emergency exits, in metro subway station as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

How to help the people of Ukraine from anywhere in the world

A child is carried down the steps in her stroller. Hundreds of people seek shelter underground, on the platform, inside the dark train cars, and even in the emergency exits, in metro subway station as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

The KYIV Independent

Independent journalism is vital in sharing what's going on inside the country. The KYIV Independent is an independent media outlet reporting in English. The organization has been covering the Russia-Ukraine conflict, doing fact-checking, and reporting on human rights. Journalists are putting their own safety at risk to report from the frontlines. Owing to the fact that the group is not affiliated with any government and is live reporting in English, it's vital in keeping the world informed about what is happening.

Find out more and donate here

Hundreds of residents from a residential building damaged by a missile gather in a bomb shelter in the basement of a school on February 25, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Yesterday, Russia began a large-scale attack on Ukraine, with Russian troops invading the country from the north, east and south, accompanied by air strikes and shelling. The Ukrainian president said that at least 137 Ukrainian soldiers were killed by the end of the first day.

UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

The international organization aims to provide emergency assistance to families in Ukraine. They're providing aid such as cash assistance and opportunities for resettlement in other countries.

In a statement, they said, "UNHCR is working with the authorities, UN, and other partners in Ukraine and is ready to provide humanitarian assistance wherever necessary and possible. To that effect, security and access for humanitarian efforts must be guaranteed."

Find out more and donate here

Aoife is an Irish journalist and writer with a background in creative writing, comedy, and TV production.

Formerly woman&home's junior news editor and a contributing writer at Bustle, her words can be found in the Metro, Huffpost, Delicious, Imperica and EVOKE.

Her poetry features in the Queer Life, Queer Love anthology.

Outside of work you might bump into her at a garden center, charity shop, yoga studio, lifting heavy weights, or (most likely) supping/eating some sort of delicious drink/meal.