Since the Russian invasion on February 24, everyday life of Ukrainians has changed dramatically. Some 12 million people — more than one-quarter of the country’s entire population — are believed to have fled their homes, according to the United Nations. Families have been separated, men have gone to the front, cities have endured month-long sieges, with civilians being targeted and tortured.
So, what can ordinary citizens do to support their country at this time?
KYIV — I talk a lot with the people from the military and the defense. Their general opinion about those who remain in the area of potential hostilities is that if you do not work or are not involved in critical infrastructure, it is better to leave. If a citizen decides to stay, it should be because they play a critical role in supporting the war effort. Helping those who are unable take care of themselves: the elderly, neighbors, the injured. People will always be needed to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid or support communal workers who work tirelessly to help those fighting to defend the country.
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For those who have left, there should be no shame or guilt. Most importantly, they will be alive, and their families will be safe. When the time comes for Ukraine to be rebuilt, they will be ready to play the vital role of picking up the rubble and laying new foundations.
But even if they are safe outside of Ukraine, support will always be welcome, and will always be necessary.
Assistance and volunteering
Help the people who have welcomed you into their homes, who shelter you and shelter others. The more Ukrainians are fed and kept warm, the brighter the flame of our united spirit glows.
It has become clear that social media has become our greatest weapon. Use it to share light and good will: the safest ways to escape safely and surreptitiously, places to stay and shelter. Be sure to send your friends and families positive news. Never forget that it is the simple questions (“How are you doing?”, “Can I give you a hand?”) that can lift the mood in wondrous ways.
Strong rear and economic recovery
70% of Germany’s economy is based on small and medium-sized businesses. Before the war began, the shares of small businesses barely reached 30% of Ukraine’s GDP. Now the time has come to boost our own economy: buy Ukrainian, use Ukrainian services, consume Ukrainian goods, get a job for a Ukrainian company, pay Ukrainian taxes. Provide for yourself and in so doing, provide for your country.
International resistance
If you are abroad, attend rallies in support of Ukraine. Stand outside the offices of companies that continue to operate in Russia: make your outrage known.
Ukrainian students at Stanford University in Massachusetts have created the website dontfundwar.com , which tracks companies that continue to do business in Russia and thereby finance the war in Ukraine.
2 million signatures are required to put Putin and his cronies on a Nuremberg-style trial.
The site has simple instructions that anyone can follow to prevent these companies from doing business in Russia: join the boycott of companies on social networks, organize demonstrations or anonymously share information about other companies that continue services in Russia as usual.
A new initiative has also begun to establish a special international tribunal to bring to justice those who voted in favour of the war against Ukraine. There are currently 1,763,000 signatories, but 2 million are required from around the world for Putin and his cronies to be put on a Nuremberg-style trial.
Information resistance
An important factor in Ukrainian victory is the internal destabilization of Russia and its people, along with the spreading of truth to counter the lies being fired out from the Kremlin.
Indeed, the Telegram channel “Stop the War” was created by the Ranok Publishing House with the specific intention of breaking through the information blockade. The more Russians that see it, the more Russians that will know the truth. The more Russians that know the truth, the more likely they are to end the war as soon as possible.
