Three years of Russia’s all-out war: Here’s how you can keep helping Ukraine (Patreon)

Dear Kyiv Independent members, 

This is Brooke, the community manager, writing to you from Kyiv. 

Today marks three years since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In February 2022, the Kyiv Independent was only three months old, and despite the odds — and thanks to you — we’re still here and still reporting. 

As you know, the fight isn’t over. Since I started working here 2.5 years ago, the most frequently asked question has been “What more can I do to help Ukraine?” 

The level of solidarity you’ve shown has been overwhelming, and on behalf of the team we’re so grateful to have you with us. As disturbing as it is to experience war, it’s inspiring to know there are so many people around the world who continue to pay attention and stay engaged, who want to take action to make it a more just place. 

We wanted to share a list with you of how you can help Ukraine. Thank you to everyone who has asked this question and for standing with us. 

Contact your elected representatives, regardless of where you live. In the U.S., the American Coalition for Ukraine has a tool to find your members of Congress and recommended messaging for what to ask your government representatives. Finding a group organizing political support for Ukraine in your country or city is a great starting point for getting more involved. 

Join marches or demonstrations in support of Ukraine. The Ukrainian World Congress has compiled a list of events taking place today to commemorate the start of the full-scale invasion and show support for Ukraine. 

Donate to organizations in Ukraine. Some well-known charities are the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation and the Hospitallers. With the suspension of USAID, Ukrainian civil society also needs your support: Ukraine was the largest recipient of U.S. economic aid, receiving over $14 billion in 2023. A few dollars can make a big difference. 

Be aware of upcoming elections — both local and national. Find and support candidates who support Ukraine, either through donating or by volunteering on their campaign trail. In U.S. elections, especially in swing districts, campaigns are always looking for volunteers to do things like phone bank or distribute literature about voting rights. 

Get a friend involved. It only should take a few minutes to contact your government representatives, and it does make a difference if they receive more letters or calls from more people. (I once was a legislative intern for a U.S. congressman, and part of my job was to track and sort letters and calls from our constituents — it did matter to our office.) 

Boycott (or avoid to the best of your ability) corporations that still operate within Russia. The Kyiv School of Economics has made a detailed list of corporations that continue to do business in Russia. The mobile version of the website even has a barcode scanner, so you can easily find the details about a product’s parent company. Also, consider supporting Ukrainian brands or local businesses — spending money in your own community strengthens it. 

Engage with Ukrainian media, culture, and art. Part of Russia’s goal in the war is to destroy Ukrainian culture. Here’s a list (compiled by one of our members) showing creative ways to help Ukraine, highlighting organizations, projects, and artists, from podcasts about the war to resources for learning Ukrainian.

Protect your own mental health — but don’t give up. We know it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed when trying to keep up with the news — and it’s scary to see what we’re up against. But you aren’t powerless in this. Every little action makes an important difference. Sometimes it’s hard to see the change you’re making as an individual, but remember to zoom out and see what we’ve been able to accomplish working together. We’re in this for the long haul, so make sure you take days off, rest and rejuvenate, and keep your efforts sustainable. 

As a reminder — it’s your support — the contributions of 15,000 people that form the backbone of the Kyiv Independent’s funding. In the past three years, we’ve grown our company, expanded our coverage, launched new newsletters, and reached new audiences. The majority of our members give just $5 per month — the price of a cup of coffee — and it’s game-changing for us. You make a difference, and we’re proud that you’ve chosen to be with us. 

Thank you for your support. 

Best, BrookeCommunity ManagerThe Kyiv Independent