Ukraine conflict: 9 ways to help the people of Ukraine from the UK - including donations and sponsors
From financial donations, to clothing and food supplies, there are plenty of ways to help the people of Ukraine from the UK
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked both outrage and fear across the globe, with many people in the UK wondering what they can do to help.
The conflict has deepened in the past day after Russian forces shelled a nuclear power station in the south eastern city of Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, causing a fire to break out in the educational and training building of the plant.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said the fire did not cause a change in the plant’s radiation level and “essential” equipment has not been damaged.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the attack of the power station, which is the largest in Europe, could “directly threaten the safety of all of Europe”.
Johnson called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council in light of the attack, with No 10 saying he would directly raise the issue with the Kremlin after speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the early hours.
Vladimir Putin’s forces have fired more than 480 missiles in the invasion so far, according to a US defence official, prompting Western allies to respond with increased sanctions against Russia.
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, Home Secretary Priti Patel will visit Poland to launch the Ukraine family scheme, which will allow Britons and those settling in the UK to bring their relatives over to join them.
If you want to do your bit to help the people of Ukraine, these are some of the ways you can show your support.
Read more:
What does shelling mean in war? Definition as Russia continues to attack Ukrainian regions such as Kharkiv
1. Donate money
There are many charities providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine, with the British Red Cross, Unicef, Project Hope, Choose Love and the International Rescue Committee among the non-governmental organisations taking donations for the emergency crisis appeals.
2. Donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
Donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal will help charities to provide food, water, shelter and healthcare to refugees and displaced families in Ukraine. The UK government has pledged to match public donations to this appeal pound-for-pound starting with £20 million.
3. Donate essential supplies
Organisations across the UK are gathering essential supplies, such as clothes, first aid and sanitary products to be donated to people moving from Ukraine to other nations. Many charities and community groups will have lists of items they need.
4. Volunteer at aid charities
Volunteers are needed to help sort through donated items at aid charities to pack them up to send them overseas. Many donation points are being set up locally, often by Ukrainian and Polish community groups and churches, so it is worth checking your local news outlet or social media to see if you can get involved.