How to help the people of Ukraine from the Philippines

As the Russian military invasion of Ukraine unfolds, so does the need for humanitarian support for the Ukrainian people and their loved ones. There are several ways you can help, even from afar. Here’s a list of organizations in need of donations, plus other nonfinancial ways you can support Ukraine right now.

Verified organizations in the Philippines accepting donations for Ukraine

There are several organizations accepting monetary donations to aid Ukraine right now. Unfortunately, times like this also bring about scams — so verify all sources before sending a contribution. Below is a list of vetted nonprofit organizations looking for help.

1. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Philippines assists those in war-torn areas and enables medical professionals and engineers to improve living conditions for Ukraine residents: https://www.icrc.org/donate/Ukraine
2. Unicef Philippines aims to protect children from harm and quickly reach children in need. They work with local authorities to ensure immediate help is available to children and their immediate families in conflict-affected areas: https://donate.unicef.ph/campaign/ukraine
3. Ukrainian Red Cross assists people caught in armed conflict: https://redcross.org.ua/en/donate/
4. GlobalGiving is a locally-led relief hub supporting a wide range of efforts in Ukraine: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/ukraine-crisis-relief-fund/
5. People in Need provides humanitarian aid such as food packages, emergency shelter, safe access to drinking water, hygiene items and heat: https://www.peopleinneed.net/donate/
6. Save the Children is dedicated to supporting children in hard-to-reach war-torn areas of Ukraine: https://support.savethechildren.org/
7. International Relief Committee provides life-saving support to refugees forced to flee their homes: https://www.rescue.org/article/ukraine-russia-crisis-what-happening
8. Direct Relief provides support and supplies to hospitals, ambulance stations and medical centers: https://www.directrelief.org/2022/02/global-update-medical-support-for-afghanistan-syria-ukraine-the-u-s-and-more/

Donations made in cryptocurrencies

Of the charities we’ve vetted, only one openly supports cryptocurrency donations: Come Back Alive — a Ukrainian NGO originally launched to help soldiers in the war in Donbas. Come Back Alive accepts donations in Bitcoin.

Bitcoin address: bc1qkd5az2ml7dk5j5h672yhxmhmxe9tuf97j39fm6

Verify the address after copying it on both Come Back Alive’s website and blockchain.com before sending:

• https://savelife.in.ua/donate/
• https://www.blockchain.com /btc/address/ bc1qkd5az2ml7dk5j5h672yh xmhmxe9tuf97j39fm6

How can I help if I can’t contribute financially?

If you’re unable to donate money at this time, there are still steps you can take to help the situation in Ukraine.

• Donate your time and help organize fundraisers through local nonprofit organizations.
• Join a peace protest if it’s safe and accessible for you to do so.
• Encourage your employer to offer mental health services and other support to staff — especially those of Ukrainian descent or with loved ones in the area.
• Don’t spread misinformation online. Verify all news sources before sharing on social media.

Remember that Russia’s military actions don’t necessarily reflect all of its people’s beliefs. Avoid using harmful rhetoric that stereotypes Russians as a group.

Stay informed with trustworthy news sources

Misinformation can be rampant in situations like this. Be sure to access reliable news sources for information regarding the events in Ukraine. Keep in mind these news sources have been under attack from hackers since the invasion began and may go offline — or become unreliable at any point.

• The Kyiv Independent. As Ukraine’s biggest English-language media outlet, the Kyiv Independent is on the ground and at the front lines to cover the ongoing events of the invasion.
• The New Voice of Ukraine. Available in English, Ukrainian and Russian, the New Voice of Ukraine covers breaking news and releases informative analyses on the situation.
• Ukraine World. Ukraine World is a team of independent journalists on the front lines gathering first-hand footage, primarily published on its dedicated social media accounts.
• Kyiv Post. A mainstream media outlet affiliated with the state, this source is at the forefront of delivering breaking news directly from government and national offices, releasing statements from ministry officials, military leads and other dignitaries.

Follow verified accounts on social media

If you prefer to access your news from social media, here’s a list of reliable accounts reporting out of Ukraine. Like news sources, many of these social media accounts are also under attack from hackers. Remain vigilant while accessing any information online.

• Stand With Ukraine shares knowledge wrap-ups based on the ongoing situation and ways followers can support Ukrainian citizens. Instagram: @withukraine.
• Svidomi offers updates on the ongoing conflict from the English version of a Ukrainian social media-based outlet as it shares brief but frequent posts from the front lines. Instagram: @svidomi_eng. Twitter: @Svidomi_en.
• Ukrainians in Solidarity provides information on how followers can support Ukrainian citizens. Instagram: @ukrainiansinsolidarity.

What actions is the Philippines government taking?

The Philippine government has denounced the Ukraine invasion by voting to support a resolution filed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to condemn Russia’s acts of war against its neighboring country. The Philippines joins 140 other countries voting in favor of the resolution during UNGA’s special emergency session, the first in 40 years, in New York City on 28 February 2022. The resolution, titled “Aggression against Ukraine,” demands ” “that the Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine.”

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