We're posting resources to support the people of Ukraine amid Russia's horrific invasion. In addition to the loss of life, the United Nations estimates that about 100,000 Ukrainians have already been displaced and that number could ultimately grow to 1 to 5 million. Emilya Cachapero and Juli Hendren have been in touch with the Trust for Mutual Understanding as well as some Ukrainian theatre artists, and we're boosting ways to support that they've shared with us:
1️⃣ Disinformation is a part of the Russian war. Look for reliable and fact-checked news.
2️⃣ Use correct wording.
🔴 Russian troops in Ukraine are not “peacekeepers”, they are invaders.
🔴 The so-called “L/DPR” in eastern Ukraine are not “self-declared republics” or “breakaway regions”, they are the Russian puppet republics.
🔴 The occupying forces are not “Russia-backed separatists” or “rebels”, they are Russian formed, led and financed proxy forces.
3️⃣ Share as much fact-based information about Russian aggression as you can.
4️⃣ Do not post any information about the movement of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
5️⃣ Reach out to your representatives and urge them to support sanctions against the Russian Federation.
6️⃣ Boycott Russian goods and services not to support the aggressor’s economy.
7️⃣ Joining or organizing a rally in support of Ukraine in your city is helpful.
8️⃣ You can send financial support to the Ukrainian army and volunteers, protecting their country against aggression. Here are the contacts of trusted organizations:
(works directly with the command and personnel of military units, purchasing infrared thermal imaging cameras, night vision goggles, hemostatics etc)
(manages purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, etc. and delivers all goods directly)
( the appropriate equipment & uniform, personal non-lethal protection (vests, helmets), required treatment of the wounded soldiers, and repair of the buildings used by the army)
(a consolidation of female veterans, amongst other things, organizes preparation for actions in case of emergencies and defence situations.
(raising funds for various needs of the army)
From a contact working in working in global disaster relief and peace-keeping: To help provide medical supplies and humanitarian aid, the emergency relief nonprofit People in Need has an “SOS Ukraine” fund that will ensure money is sent directly to those in need in eastern Ukraine, while Voices of Children has been working with young people affected by the conflict in the same region for many years. Other initiatives open to financial contributions include the UN Refugee Agency, USA for UNHCR, which is providing emergency aid to refugee families in the country via a restricted donation fund, and CARE, a Geneva-based nonprofit that is also raising money for hygiene kits, water, and cash assistance in the affected regions. Finally, the Ukraine Crisis Media Center has several alternative means of backing the country’s efforts to resist invasion, including supporting boycotts, joining local rallies, and reaching out to your political representatives.
We'll continue to post additional ways to support as they are sent to us, and stand in solidarity with all Ukrainian theatre-makers, and with the many Russian theatre-makers protesting this unjust war.