The War in Ukraine

What happened? 

On February 24 at 4am, Russia invaded Ukraine with a military operation with the intent to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine and every Ukrainian will remember that date forever because of the horrors that have occurred that night and since then. This move by Russia was long whispered about as Russia commenced military buildup around Ukraine borders leading up to the invasion. The world doubted a full scale war would happen but here we are, and it follows Russia’s annexation of Ukraine territory Crimea in 2014. 

The ongoing war has caused a major refugee crisis and there have been major violations of human rights. Here are the facts so far:

  • Over 40,000 people have died

  • Over 50,000 have nonfatal injuries

  • More than 15,000 people are missing

  • About 14 million people have been displaced

  • There’s approximately $350 billion worth of Ukrainian property that has been damaged.

One of our own GumGummers has family whose apartment has been destroyed by Russian missles and says, “Nobody was prepared for this to happen. In any way you can only think about. The worst thing is that currently, my parents don't really have a place to live. They have to share an apartment with friends despite their respectful age.”

There are thousands of Ukrainians fighting for their country, and Ukraine has received global support to fend off Russian forces. And it’s important to note that there have been protests within Russia, mainly from young people, who do not believe in Putin’s mission and don’t want to fight for fascism and imperialism.

Read more about the war in Ukraine here:

Why is this happening?

Russia has long sought to steal Ukraine territory to rebuild the Soviet Union, and Ukraine has consistently dealt with threats and blows from Russia for decades. In 2014, Russia stole Crimea, a Ukraine territory, and has attempted to steal other territories since then through military invasions and fighting. Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine and has threatened to do that by any means necessary, including hinting at the use of nuclear weapons.

Putin is determined to subjugate Ukraine and tear down its statehood, but his ambitions don’t stop with Ukraine. With complete disregard of international law and human rights, there’s no telling if Putin will stop at Ukraine to get what he wants: to be leader of a fascist, imperialist world and reunite the Soviet Union.

What are five ways to help? 

1. Donate and support grassroots organizations who are on the ground providing life saving services and support to Ukranians (*please note these recommended organizations do not fund weapons)

United24: It was launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. In fact, this is one of the charitable organizations that is being supported by various known brands, for example, Balenciaga.

They collect money for different purposes. Your matched donation will go to the Humanitarian and Medical Aid fund which focuses on needs of individuals on territories that have recently been de-occupied. For example, ambulances and X-ray surgical arm machines.

Ronald McDonald House of Charities: This fund creates and supports activities that improve children’s health and well-being. At this difficult time in Ukraine, we have focused on helping families, children's hospitals, and others affected by this terrible war. Currently, they are mainly focusing on these 3 areas:

  1. Humanitarian aid: for kids and families

  2. Food kits: for those who vitally need it

  3. Vital medical equipment

Zemliachky. Ukrainian front: This charitable organization focuses on the needs of women in the army. In fact, there are more than 60.000 currently women serving in the army and about 5.000 are actually fighting at the frontline. Sadly, the Ukrainian army mainly focuses on men while not being able properly to fulfill the needs of women. Think about hygiene products, uniforms, and special shoes. This organization aims to provide all of that to the women serving in the Army of Ukraine.

2. Contact your political representative(s) or local MP

3. Share information

 Continue to share information and resources with your networks, whether that’s in person or online. There are many accounts which advocate supporting Ukrainians and help amplify their message including Illia Ponomarenko, UkraineWorld, and Iuliia Mendel. 

4. Continue to learn more about the history and future of Ukraine and Russia

To learn more about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, consider reading or watching some of the below:

5. Keep your voice heard 

Edwin Starr says it best: War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.

The war in Ukraine is a travesty that didn’t need to occur. Due to greed, ignorance, and resistance to freedom, Russia invaded Ukraine and has continued to attack various regions across the country for months. We must continue to bring attention to and amplify the voices of Ukraninans and the price of war: lives, livelihood, families. War is not the answer and brutal fighting will only lead to more deaths. Today and everyday, we must continue to challenge ourselves and others to consider the rights and freedoms for all and not just some. Globalization has connected the world, and together we have to fight authoritarianism and fascism. 

“To take care of one’s own self should be to take care of the rest of the world and to help the rest of the world take care of themselves. Not charity, but global solidarity and partnership.” -Dr. Ayoade Alakija

Thank you for reading today! If you wish to support Ukranians affected by the war, please donate to one of the grassroots organizations above or reach out to the voice@gumgum.com for more info.

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