Russia-Ukraine War: One Year Later Teach-Out

The following content is a written submission from a Ukrainian person who currently lives in London and volunteers with British-Ukrainian Aid. We were fortunate enough to be able to ask them a few questions about their experience volunteering with this charity.  Editor's note: English is not their native language. However, we chose to include their responses in full, with only minor editing for clarity, so that their authentic voice and perspective could be featured.

Briefly tell us about your background and the work you do.

I'm part of the Ukrainian diaspora in London, UK, having lived here for over 15 years. I work in the technology sector in my day job. I have been volunteering with British-Ukrainian Aid charity since 2014, when a strong sense of injustice has driven me to join the community of like-minded volunteers trying to do anything they can to help fellow citizens back home.

What has this past year looked like for you?

The first days of the full scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 were filled with shock and disbelief that what everyone feared, but could not believe would actually happen, was happening. After we cried all the tears we had and somewhat recovered from the initial shock, we came round to realizing that our tears would not help and that we must organize ourselves to deliver any aid that we can to Ukraine, to give it a chance to survive the invasion, no matter how slim it seemed at the time.  Even the smallest contribution adds up to a lot of difference on the ground. We pulled from all our networks to understand the needs on the ground, to finance the procurement and to organize delivery routes. Over time, we’ve found our niches and specialities, where we can be most effective. Over the past year, we have organized hundreds of vehicles full of necessary equipment, medicine, winter clothes, protective gear, generators and all matter of things that are desperately needed by those affected by the hostilities and those defending the country from this barbaric invasion.

What are your thoughts regarding how people are feeling about the war in Europe? Are you doing anything to raise awareness?

I'm lucky to have Britain as my second home, where the response has been incredible. Britain leads the world in standing up to bullying and violence that Russia is inflicting on Ukraine. It was a tearful moment to see the Ukrainian flag being flown over the prime minister's residence at Downing St 10 in central London in support of Ukraine since the first days of the invasion. Finally, the world is waking up to what Ukrainians had to go through since the occupation of Crimea and invasion in the East in 2014, and the country is finally getting the right attention and help it has needed. It's sad that it took many thousands of lives and eight years for the world to finally wake up.

It is heart-warming to see so many initiatives around the country, from small towns and villages to national fund-raising initiatives by major charities. Of course, Britain and Europe have also welcomed so many evacuees from Ukraine, mainly women and children, whilst their husbands and fathers are fighting off the aggressor.

In terms of awareness effort, Ukrainian community and supporters are organizing weekly rallies in central London to keep the ongoing war in Ukraine in focus. And of course, everyone who cares keeps reminding their social media audiences about the atrocities and the cost of heroic effort of the people of Ukraine.

The response in continental Europe, however, is very patchy. There are countries on the opposite side of the scale from leading the international coalition in response to Russian aggression to effectively aiding Russia in escaping sanctions and apologizing for their aggression. Of course, actions of governments may not represent the general sympathy for Ukraine in a country, but still, support for Ukraine differs a lot by country in Europe. A lot of people are affected by Russian propaganda that stirs up populist sentiment on both the far-right and the far-left corners of the political spectrum.

What are your contacts in Ukraine saying about conditions now, especially as winter takes its hold? What is everyday life like?

Being involved in volunteering for Ukraine, my view is very skewed towards information from contacts on the frontline or involved in the emergency response, and of course the situation there is incredibly difficult. A lot of amazing people are lost on a daily basis who would otherwise lead peaceful and productive lives being artists, programmers, businessmen, teachers and so on. People who had the moral calling to go and protect their country and their loved ones. There is never enough support, and everything is needed, and needed yesterday.

However, life must go on in the country and people have learned to adapt and continue going about their daily business, supporting the economy, paying taxes and donating to help the frontline. Ukrainian people are incredibly resilient and have adapted to Russia terrorizing the peaceful population with strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure.

What would you like the world to know about the war that may be missing from the current conversation and media coverage?

The dangerous thought is that somehow if you let Putin overrun Ukraine that this will be the end of the war. But if history has anything to teach us, appeasement only works to embolden the aggressor. The West thought that Putin would stop after invading Georgia in 2008, but then Crimea happened in 2014. They thought this would be the end of his land grabs, but here we are, Russian tanks are yet again rolling over the border. The aggressor will stop where he will be stopped. The sooner Ukraine gets everything it needs to beat the Russian army, the sooner the war will be over. If Ukraine is allowed to fall, then the next war will be on NATO soil in Europe and this time, American soldiers will actually have to fight in the battle. So the aid for Ukraine is an incredibly cost-effective way of disarming a dangerous enemy that opposes everything that the free world stands for.

How can learners of the Teach-Out help Ukrainians?

Please spread the word about the barbaric and unjust invasion of Ukraine by the brutal dictator that hates the US and the West. Spread the word that Ukraine needs to get everything it needs to defend itself and as soon as possible to save lives and prevent future wars. Make sure that your elected representatives support and drive every initiative to help Ukraine.