Part 2/2 to the last post I made about what Americans have to said to me about Russia’s war in Ukraine, inspired by @bavovniatko !
✨This one is not all negative comments, but just things I feel need more commenting on. ✨
This is also more about what I’ve heard at fundraising events and art fairs.
“I can’t believe this war has gone on for four years.” - it has actually been longer. This war did not start in 2022, that’s when Russia expanded its invasion. It started in 2014 with invasions into Donbas (eastern Ukraine) and Crimea (southern peninsula of Ukraine), and if you want to get metaphorical it started long before that, but that’s a long conversation. So really it’s been 12 years!!!
***Ukrainians might have to correct me on this, but my understanding is that the first time Russia physically challenged Ukraine’s territory sovereignty after 1991 independence was in 2003 during the Tuzla Island Conflict (Конфлікт щодо острова Тузла) when Russia tried to build a bridge to a Ukrainian island.
“I wish the US was doing more.” — I wish so too. A Pew Research Study from this year reported that 29% of Americans wished the US was doing more to help Ukraine. Here’s the fun part: Every individual has the power to do something concrete. Not just performative actions like posting about it once on social media. It’s about doing something that actually makes a difference. Staying educated and caring is a baseline.
⭐️Every state has Ukrainian groups you can support locally and attend their events. They usually host concerts, festivals, holiday markets, cooking contests, etc. all to raise money for Ukrainians in Ukraine and in your community! My favorite are the pysanka workshops in the spring, where you get to make and bring home a decorated egg :)
I recommend looking at what skills and connections you have and how you can use those to help Ukrainians. Also check out if your city has a Sister City relationship with a Ukrainian city and look into what your community has done to make a difference in Ukraine! There’s lots of inspiring stories out there!!!!!!!!!!
Your fellow Americans have raised millions for Ukrainians. Things like generators, ambulances, clothing, medical equipment, solar panels, drones, gear for Ukrainian soldiers, art therapy rooms, and the list goes on and on. These next few points are just some ideas.
Volunteer, start, and donate to fundraisers for Ukraine. Or go online to ENGin and help Ukrainian kids practice English and learn some Ukrainian too. Find out what your community is doing for Ukrainians, and if it’s nothing, then this is your opportunity to change that :)
The biggest American charities that are specifically about Ukraine include: Razom, Nova Ukraine, DAWN. But there are a bunch of smaller reputable non-profits as well!! Look to see what’s in your state. World Central Kitchen is also highly recommended.
Advocate. Have conversations that will make a difference; like encouraging others to donate, dismantling Russian propaganda, or start a fundraiser yourself. If you live near DC, consider participating in political advocacy for Ukraine (with Razom, Nova Ukraine, or the American Coalition for Ukraine)
🦅🇺🇸💥Fun fact for Americans: There’s a website called Charity Navigator that rates charities (IRS code 501(c)(3) non-profits) based on their public tax records and transparency. You can also examine public tax records (Form 990 for big non-profits, Form 990EZ for smaller non-profits) to see which charities are actually putting most of their funds towards their cause and not just admin and advertising. You can find the formulas and more information about what to look for online. (This topic could really be a whole other post.)
“I hope Trump ends this war soon.” - He doesn’t care at all about Ukraine, neither does Musk. They are a lot of things, including very much in favor of wars and chaos. Have you thought about how you can help Ukrainians right now? *lists off ideas from above*
“I hope Putin ends this war soon.” Spoiler: Putin is not going to end this war. He does not want to. Not in 2014, not in 2022, and not now. He doesn’t care.
“Trump is friends with Putin so he’ll bring him to the negotiating table.” - . . .
“Trump is a Russian puppet.” — Not only Trump. There are also a number of American politicians who also spew Russian talking points. Plus orgs like the NRA, for example, were investigated for their connections to Russian politicians. Russian interference in our politics didn’t end in 2016 or 2020. This is why political advocacy for Ukraine is so important.
“I saw videos/news online of [insert battle or traumatic moment].” - It’s sad that people all over the world can watch this unfold on their phones, isn’t it? And then we go on about our days because we think we can’t do anything or that it’s not our problem. How would you feel if someone filmed your worst or even your last moments on Earth? Have you considered ways to help? *rambles off ideas about how they can make a difference*
“ *tells me personal story about a Ukrainian they know* ” — Please stay in contact with them and kindly ask if there’s anything you can do to help them. Many Ukrainians have told me that they feel forgotten. Remind them that they are not forgotten by finding concrete ways to help them personally and their countrymen. Kind words and listening are always welcomed, but words of support will likely feel more hallow as this war drags on. Please find concrete ways to support them.
“Why do you support Ukraine? Do you have Ukrainian roots?” — A person doesn’t have to have “roots” to care :) *proceeds to explain what my friends in Ukraine have gone through and are still going through everyday*
“Slava Ukraini!” (“Glory to Ukraine!”) - I was shocked the first time someone said this to me after looking at the art I was selling to raise money for Ukraine. I accidentally said “Дякую» (“Thanks”) I meant to say “Heroyam Slava” (“Glory to the Heroes”) 😅 ooops
Andddddd that’s all I have for now. I’m sure there’s more, and especially much worse things being said, but I don’t continue conversations with conspiracy theorists and stubborn ragebaiters.
