Large-scale Russian aggression has mobilized not just Ukrainian nation to defend their country and sovereignty, but also governments and peoples worldwide to support Ukraine against the existential threat it has faced.
In the United Nations, the most important international platform, resolutions in favor of Ukraine and condemning Russian aggression are supported by the majority of member states – for example, on March 11, 193 UN members voted in favor of Ukraine-drafted resolution urging immediate civilian protection and criticizing Russia for creating a humanitarian crisis. The most recent meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany united approximately 50 ministers of defense throughout the world in representing their governments’ desire to help Ukraine. These cases are separate examples of a general trend. It is followed more consistently and passionately by some countries, usually those who have suffered from Soviet and Russian imperialism before – for example, Estonia sent military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine worth 0.8% of its GDP; Poland has accepted more than 3.5 million refugees, Latvian government has sent EUR 200 000 000 worth of military equipment.
However, governmental support is accompanied – and often driven – by public support of the people who feel strong empathy towards Ukrainians defending their country. Public initiatives to help Ukraine one way or another have been formed in almost all countries of the world. Grassroots effort yields tremendous results due to the unity of the people behind it. For example, Lithuanians managed to crowdfund 5 million Euro in 3,5 days to buy a Bayraktar drone for Ukrainian military – which was subsequently given by Turkish side for free with a demand that funds go to humanitarian aid for Ukrainians.
People help everywhere every way they can – offering shelters to the refugees, organizing humanitarian aid, writing songs, donating to the cause etc. In some countries, such as Germany, the public demand for supporting Ukraine is much stronger than actions of the government. Ukraine in Flames #104 presents people from Canada and Ireland who share how and why they decided to help Ukraine.
Speakers:
- Christine Donovan, fishmonger, Canada
- Jud Weidner, Irish musician
- Olga Mozkova, Ukrainian volunteer in Canada.
UKRAINE IN FLAMES project is created by Ukraine Crisis Media Center, Ukrainian Catholic University’s analitical center and NGO “Euroatlantic Course”. We are aiming at searching a loud support for Ukraine in the war started by Russia on the 24th of February 2022.
If you want to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, check the link with recommendations by Ukraine Crisis Media Center – https://uacrisis.org/en/help-ukraine.
NGO Euroatlantic Course collects donations to support Ukrainian Army and civilians – https://eac.org.ua/en/main-page/.