Support freedom. How can I support Ukraine after 3 months of war?

War in Europe. War in Ukraine started in the spring of 2014 and escalated on the 24th of February in 2022, by Russia fully invaded Ukraine.

Many people who fled are returning home. Many get used to living under shelling. Some realized that the windows of their home were ruined or their house is completely destroyed. People saw it when returning, in photos, while others experienced that alive.

People in Ukraine have to meet summer, by listening to sheeling and guessing how far from them a rocket was launched, reacting to the air alarm, and cooking food on the street because there is no gas and electricity at home. If you're new to these, children who were living in cities that are hardly shelled can teach you about different types of the bombing. Imagine a 7 years old child teaches an adult about shelling that is heard alive and explains how to react to it. Today is 2022 and we are in Europe. It is not a film about the war. War is real and a new normal today.

War continues, but the end is not yet observed. We should fight against the Russian invasion as we did together for the last months. Some might get tired and continue living their lives like there is no war in Europe. But I want to reassure you that it is important to continue the fight on every front, including both informational and cultural.

Here is the list of things that everyone can do to strengthen Ukraine and weekend evil Russia:

1. Continue staying informed about the ongoing war in Ukraine without drawing in anxiety because of the news. 

Follow Ukrainians on social media: volunteers, bloggers, organisations, creators, and businessmen. Choose to follow those who connect you to Ukraine through their content. Moreover, follow photographers in the field who tell stories about Ukrainian people. For example, @libkos in Instagram

2. Donate to Ukrainian organizations and volunteers monthly.

It could be a few euros, the amount does not matter. Consistency matters. Decide whom you want to support: the army, doctors, displaced people, children, elderly, or animals. You might also diversify your sources and send donations every month to a different category.

3. Learn more about Ukraine.

History, culture, traditions, language, food, clothes, sport, nature, beautiful places, and cities. Pick something interesting to you and learn more about it.

4. Bring something Ukrainian into your life. 

It can be learning how to cook a Ukrainian dish. My recommendations for Cook Ukrainian are:

@klopotenko https://klopotenko.com/

@alisa___cooper https://alisacooper.com.ua/payment/with-alisa

You can read a book by a Ukrainian writer, wear clothes or jewelry made by Ukrainian designers, listen to Ukrainian music, and support Ukrainian businesses by buying something that is made in Ukraine.

Also, visit Ukrainian events in your area and demonstration in support of Ukraine. 

5. Keep writing to your decision-making representatives about Ukraine. Your letter will ensure that your government continues helping Ukraine, delivering ammunition and arms, as well as supporting Ukraine in diplomatic, cultural, and political areas.

6. Talk about Ukraine with your friends, relatives, neighbors, and colleagues. It should not be about the war - Ukraine is more than just war. Pick a topic that you are curious about and have a conversation about Ukraine.

7. Show support by placing a Ukrainian flag on your window, a sticker about Ukraine on your car, a Ukrainian pin, or blue-and-yellow stripes on your clothes or backpack. 

Being Ukrainian, it is meaningful to see the support of people around, understanding that they are together with us. It means a lot!

8. Help Ukrainian refugees in your areas by becoming a friend. 

It is challenging being in a new country, not knowing the language. You can help with translation, by going together to a doctor, helping with bureaucracy, or simply inviting to spend time together, visiting an event. Ukrainian people might lack communication here, so help them to build social networks in a new place.

9. Help fight infowar by reporting content about Ukraine from trusted sources, and commenting under posts about Ukraine.

By simply liking and saving these posts, social media algorithms will show them to more people.

By introducing some of these actions to your daily life you would support Ukraine in the fight for freedom.

All will be Ukraine!