So I’m not in Ukraine anymore, I am back home, but it’s not over yet. In fact you could say perhaps the journey is only just beginning. I will write more soon about what has happened in the days since I left Ukraine. But for now, let me just say that I have been inspired to help in what is probably the greatest crisis of our time. ( see below)
How can we help?
- Sharing reliable information is important in this era of ‘disinformation’. Russia actively deploys misinformation and disinformation as part of it’s war effort so be careful what you believe. I continue to work on ways to share the information from my firsthand observations and encounters with people I trust.
- Donate – We are raising funds to support some of the amazing people I met in Ukraine -delivering much needed aid. This goes to refugees/displaced people, hospitals and clinics, de-occupied villages where people have lost everything, medics providing care to soldiers, providing care for children, orphans, army chaplains etc. All money we raise goes directly to where it’s needed – to NGO’s that were vetted by myself in person for accountability and efficiency and effectiveness. And thanks to our partnerships people can give to those NGO’s through us, getting a tax deduction in Australia, without cumbersome foreign transactions etc. We take only 1% admin fee for money transferred to CMA-Ukraine and 0% for all others.
- Ask our governments to help Ukraine as much as they can.
- Buy any of the handmade limited edition “Support Ukraine” products and subscribe to our newsletter and socials to keep updated with new items and ways to help.
Why is this all so important?
Again, I may expand on this a bit more later but here are some key points:
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has unleashed the largest movement of refugees since World War II, according to UNHCR. Roughly one third of Ukraine’s population is reportedly displaced. Millions of people have lost everything.
Global humanitarian impact: The war has disrupted energy, food, and fertilizer supplies globally which has led to soaring global food prices, impacting living costs and risking humanitarian disasters, especially in developing nations dependent on imports. In addition Russia has been deliberately targeting grain stores and shipments from Ukraine – the biggest grain supplier to the World Food Programme. The interconnectedness of the energy and food crises, coupled with climate change, poses a fragile global situation.
International Law – ripping up the rule book. Russia’s re-invasion of Ukraine violated the UN Charter and international law. The UN Security Council can’t do anything as Russia holds a veto there. The documented war crimes of Russia are also mounting up. Targeted attacks of civilians, healthcare and humanitarian aid is occurring almost daily. The International Criminal Court (ICC) initiated a significant investigation, and the International Court of Justice demanded Russia halt military operations in Ukraine which of course they ignore. Dictators and autocrats of the world are becoming emboldened.
New hopes for a new Ukraine Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine has not only inflicted immense damage but also unified the Ukrainian nation, showcasing an unexpected resilience and unity. Despite substantial displacements and infrastructure damages, Ukraine has managed to function and move beyond its perceived role as Russia’s “lesser counterpart.”
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy transitioned from a TV comedian and businessman to a significant wartime leader, symbolizing Ukraine’s newfound strength and unity. His choice to stay with his citizens during the conflict and refuse foreign evacuation solidified his leadership stature.
Pre-Zelenskyy, Ukrainian politics was marked by distrust and corruption allegations. However, Zelenskyy’s 2019 election represented a shift from ethnic divides to values, European inclination, and anti-corruption sentiment.
Unique to Ukrainian politics, Zelenskyy comes from a non-oligarchical background, bolstering his credibility. Utilizing modern communication tools, he’s actively rallied global support for Ukraine while emphasizing the importance of rule of law and curbing corruption which has been well underway.
Christians and evangelical churches have been at the forefront of reforming their country and providing aid during war, with a desire to leave the values of the ‘old Soviet mentality’ behind.
