How to Help the Ukrainian refugees

The current Russian invasion of Ukraine is the biggest conflict seen in Europe since World War II. It has destroyed Ukraine’s infrastructure and has forced more than 14 million Ukrainians to leave their homes. Most of these refugees have taken shelter in neighboring countries- Russia, Poland, Romania, Belarus, Hungary, and some others.

What is being done for the refugees?

Aid is coming from all quarters to help people in need. The European Union has granted these refugees the right to work and live in the bloc’s 27 member nations for up to 3 years. Ukrainian refugees are being encouraged to stay with their friends and relatives in the countries they have sought refuge in. Countries are offering them social welfare payments and access to local health care, schools, and housing. For example, the UK has introduced a family visa scheme for those refugees who have a close relative residing in the UK.

Besides this, local charities, feed the hungry organizations, and locals are pitching in to help the refugees with food, clothing, and housing. Some schools in countries like Poland are admitting Ukrainian children in their schools to help them continue their studies. Of these, some children don’t have anything, except the clothes on their backs. The schools are arranging for clothes, food, and housing for such children. Many children are finding it quite difficult to adjust to the new reality, as they have to learn a new language and get used to school routines that are quite different from what they are used to.

Why is the war going on in the first place?

If there was one word that could sum up the root of the conflict it would be - influence. Ukraine earlier had a pro-Russian government that was within the Kremlin’s sphere of influence. When the regime changed to a pro-Western one, Russia, and Vladimir Putin in particular, felt threatened. When Ukraine made efforts to join the EU and NATO, Russia reacted strongly to this threat. In 2014, it annexed Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, which was predominantly populated by Russians.

Russia invaded Ukraine possibly to discourage it from joining NATO and the EU. Russia wants to install a pro-Russian government in Ukraine that’ll help protect its interests.

Who is losing and why?

Despite its large size, Russia seems to be cornered by the West. Many countries have imposed sanctions on Russia and its people. Due to the sanctions, Russians are seeing empty supermarket shelves, the Russian Rouble is in free fall, and traveling to and from the country has become difficult. This time, most of Europe and the rest of the world have taken Ukraine’s side. Russia, it seems, is fighting a losing battle.

What you can do to help?

Thankfully, help is coming from everywhere for displaced Ukrainians. There are many Catholic charities to donate to that are working to feed, clothe and house Ukrainian refugees in Eastern Europe. Many of these refugees have left everything behind and are in urgent need of help.

You could contribute a part of your monthly income towards helping these people. You could even start with a small $15 monthly donation and increase it later. After all, we must help those in need. With this, we get their blessings for life.

A Little Help Is What They Need To Support Them Through Catholic Donation Center. Spread Infinite Joy With Small Donation Support Catholic Charities Donation Center.