The world mourns this week.
As Russian tanks and troops surround major cities in Ukraine, the peace that endured in Europe in the last 80 years has officially come to an end.
It’s heartbreaking to watch the non-discriminatory attacks on civilians and neighborhoods where people live and work. Under no circumstances should they be military targets.
The Russian invasion is quickly turning into a major humanitarian crisis. Infrastructure is collapsing. Families are separated. Deaths and wounds are mounting. The future is highly uncertain.
What pains me the most is that this is not even Russia’s war. This is the making of one disillusioned man who has lost touch with reality. A bully with a distorted view of glory. A deeply disturbed dictator who puts everyone’s life at risk but his own for the sake of power.
Let’s not forget that the Russian people are also hurting. Russian soldiers are dying. Russian mothers are wailing. Despite the silencing by the Kremlin, ordinary Russian citizens are protesting the war on the streets, even at the risk of arrest and prison time.
While we may feel helpless, let’s be comforted by the love and compassion around the world. Polish, Moldovan and Romanian people have received millions of Ukrainians and provided the now refugees with critical support including food and shelter. Thousands of NGOs are hard at work to bring relief. Even typically pro-Russia countries have joined the rest of the world in condemning this invasion and imposing sanctions.
If you can, please consider donating to NGOs who will provide support to the Ukrainian people.
Two reputable options I have used are:
- Sunflower of Peace: A highly respected organization that provides medical and humanitarian aid to people affected by the perpetual Russian aggression in Ukraine
- International Committee of the Red Cross: The ICRC has been working in Ukraine since 2014 with with a team of over 600 staff members. This will bring emergency assistance such as food, water, and other essential items; support hospitals and primary healthcare facilities with medical equipment and emergency preparedness.
Let’s keep our brothers and sisters in our mind and in our prayer. We don’t know how long the war will last, but we must stay in solidarity with the people.
For when one of us is hurting, all of us is hurting.