Jason Guo

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in a humanitarian crisis that has affected millions of people, with many forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Romania, Hungary, and Poland. The situation is dire, and Ukrainian refugees are in desperate need of assistance.

Jaaikaran Chanana, a football enthusiast, has started an initiative called "Play for Ukraine" that aims to use football as a means of raising awareness and funds for Ukrainian refugees. The idea is simple: sending football equipment to refugee camps across Europe and supporting those who have been affected in any way.

Football is a universal language that has the power to bring people together and unite them for a common cause. By organizing football matches and tournaments, Jaaikaran hopes to raise funds that can be used to provide much-needed aid and support to Ukrainian refugees.

To support this initiative and help those in need, you can donate to our just giving page. Our partners include United Way Romania Foundation, Unicef Romania, and Caritas.

Football foundations and charities such as the Football Foundation Grants can also provide financial assistance to local football clubs and organizations in Ukraine that are struggling to cope with the impact of the conflict.

In addition to financial assistance, there are also other ways to help Ukrainian refugees. Charities such as Save The Children and We Love Ukraine are working on the ground to provide support and aid to those in need. They provide essential services such as shelter, food, and healthcare to Ukrainian refugees.

It is essential to remember that Ukrainian refugees are not just statistics, but real people who have been forced to flee their homes and leave everything behind. They need our help, support, and compassion, and we must do everything we can to assist them during this challenging time.

The world has felt the political, economic and humanitarian effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The international community has rallied countries to create a united front against Russia. Mexico’s reaction to the crisis is particularly important, as it is currently one of the ten non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

Mexico’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is mixed. From the onset, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador declared that Mexico would remain neutral in the conflict. Yet, he was quick to criticize the United States for providing aid to Ukraine while allowing investment to Mexico and Central America to stall over bureaucratic issues. Lopez Obrador has urged U.S. leaders to boost investment in Central America to help tackle the root causes of migration. Mexico’s president declined to impose sanctions on Russia and condemned the European Parliament for sending arms to Kyiv. The Mexican government announced it would not send arms to Ukraine, after Ukrainian authorities asked the country’s Senate for military assistance.

However, Mexico has played a proactive role in the United Nations, joining other nations in condemning Russia’s invasion. The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution, proposed by France and Mexico, blaming Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urging an immediate cease-fire and protection for millions of civilians.

The recent political and military turmoil in Ukraine has displaced a significant number of Ukrainian citizens, many of whom have sought refuge in neighbouring countries like Romania, Hungary, and Poland. As a result, many organizations have been established to provide aid and support to Ukrainian refugees.

One such organization is PlayForUkraine, founded by Jaaikaran Chanana, which aims to support Ukrainian refugees in countries such as Romania by providing them with footballs, pumps, shinpads, and other essentials needed to play the beautiful game. The foundation also works to raise awareness about the plight of Ukrainian refugees and encourages people to donate to the cause.

Through our journey, we have collaborated with charities such as UNICEF, United Way Romania Foundation, and the Organization for Aid to Refugees which has an ongoing appeal to support Ukrainian children affected by the crisis.

Football is also a way to support Ukraine. Football clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk and Metalist Khariv are popular in Ukraine and supporting them not only helps the team but also the country. Also, the Ukrainian national football team is a source of pride for the country and is a way to show support for Ukraine.

Lastly, it's important to note that mental health support is also necessary during times of crisis. It's important to keep in mind that many refugees have gone through traumatic experiences and may need support to cope with their mental health.

The motion that would allow for the re-export of weapons to conflict zones under certain conditions was adopted with 14 to 11 votes on Tuesday (24 January) in the committee for security policy of the National Council – one of the chambers of the Swiss parliament.

The text adopted in the committee on Tuesday now wants to make it possible for the Swiss government to revoke non-re-export clauses in agreements with third countries if the weapons in question are to be shipped to a conflict which has been condemned as violating international law by a two-thirds majority of the UN General Assembly.

In the case of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the UN General Assembly has already decided accordingly.

In its current form, Switzerland’s War Material Law states that countries that buy weapons or ammunition in Switzerland must sign a non-re-export declaration, which means they need Swiss approval if they want to deliver to Ukraine.

Only recently the law was reinforced, making it even harder for the Swiss government to allow the re-export of arms in regions of military conflict.

Traditionally neutral Switzerland has faced criticism from several European countries, including Germany and Spain, over blocking shipments of Swiss-made ammunition to Ukraine.

Germany wants to supply Ukraine with ammunition for Gepard anti-aircraft tanks, Denmark wants to deliver Swiss-made Piranha tanks and Spain wants to do the same with Swiss-made anti-aircraft guns.

However, Bern so far has dismissed those asks on the basis of arguing they would breach the country’s neutral stance.

The shift in the committee for security policy became possible after the Social Democrats gave up their opposition inside the body.

According to the committee, the decision would not contradict neutrality because Switzerland would not explicitly allow the shipment of arms to conflict zones, but it would merely target the non-re-export clauses in the purchase contracts.

This interpretation is controversial, however. For example, the former Swiss ambassador to Germany Thomas Borer said that the proposal would indeed violate neutrality law.

The committee, meanwhile, explained its decision with security considerations.

“The majority of the committee believes that Switzerland must make its contribution to European security, which means providing greater aid to Ukraine,” the majority of the committee members said in their statement.

Their motion explicitly relates to the war in Ukraine, limiting its validity until the end of 2025.

For the change to come into effect, however, both chambers of the Swiss Parliament have yet to agree.

Football kits - Jaaikaran Chanana

On February 24, the Russian army invaded ukraine refugee from the north, east and south of the country. This was the beginning of a dirty and shocking war.

The city of Hostomel's airport was one of Russia's main targets, since its capture would facilitate effective air raids on Kyiv. Irpin, Bucha and the neighboring small towns were chosen as ideal targets to serve as Russian military bases to encircle the capital.

From February 24 to April 1, numerous towns and villages in the Kyiv region were attacked or occupied by Russian troops. Only in early April were Ukrainian forces able to liberate the region and uncover the full extent of the horrific war crimes committed by Russian soldiers.

The family lives in Bucha. They have two children, a daughter aged 10 and a son aged 8. Just before the war began, Andrii had just finished furnishing her new home. The construction of the new house lasted 8 years.

On March 4, when the Russian army had been temporarily driven out of Bucha by Ukrainian forces, the father had his wife and two children evacuated.

Andrii's family home was bombed and the family lost everything. After the liberation of Bucha, the mother and the two children returned. The family lived in a shared apartment with other families, each with only one room to live in.

Millions of children and families are in immediate danger as war continues in Ukraine.

3.3 million children in Ukraine are in need of support. Homes, schools, water supplies and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Children of ukraine have been separated from their families, and hundreds of thousands of people have been left without clean water, food or electricity. Explosives are a daily threat to children’s lives.

We are working around the clock in Ukraine and at the borders of neighbouring countries, providing access to clean water, health care services and other critical support.

With your kind support, we can help more children and families affected by this crisis.

Please donate to help protect children in Ukraine.

How we are helping children in Ukraine?

We have been working tirelessly to keep children safe since this conflict began eight years ago and are determined to remain in Ukraine to reach the most vulnerable children and families.

Over 4.5 million children and women in Ukraine have been able to access primary health care.

Over 3.5 million people have been provided with access to safe drinking water and over 965,000 people have received critical water, sanitation and hygiene supplies.

While UNICEF-supported mental health and psychosocial support interventions have reached over 2.2 million children and caregivers.

And over 850,000 children have been engaged in education.

Working with local governments and the UNHCR, we have created 25 Blue Dot safe spaces for children and women. Blue dot shelters provide a safe space for families seeking refuge as well as providing water and sanitation supplies.

How charities can support Ukraine.