Well, A War Is Starting

cue existential crisis

I wanted to write something witty and smart and funny tonight, but I just can’t do it. Russia began firing missiles at the Ukraine just hours ago and I think-no, I know-not drinking makes collectively traumatic times like this worse. I know I’ve been talking about all the ways drinking has improved my life and it has, but tonight I wish I could chug a bottle of wine.

Drinking Me would have just drank and forgotten about WWIII. Sober Me can’t do that. I’m forced to feel the sadness and despair Ukrainians must be dealing with as they flee to Poland. Forced to feel the hate and violence bearing down on them from all directions. Forced to examine humanity at its worst and most brutal.

So, Instead of talking about me this week, I’m focusing on what can be done to help. I think that’s a more constructive way to deal with the grief of impending world war. I found a resource list created by Ukrainians and below I will list every link on that page.

Educational Links

1. A Substack (just like the one you’re reading) explaining how to think about the war in Ukraine-that’s literally the title-and how it will affect Ukrainians.

   How to think about war in Ukraine

2. Another resource list for anyone wondering what they can do to help, as well as educational material:

3. An article published by The Kyiv Independent, outlining how foreigners can help.

Donation Links

1. Come Back Alive is raising money for military supplies.

2. Army SOS is also raising money for the military. According to their website, “We manage purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, uniforms and food supply. We deliver all goods directly to the unit’s emplacement and pass them right to the hands of our warriors.”

3. Razom For Ukraine is raising money for medical supplies. Their Facebook page states, “Razom, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization supporting the people of Ukraine in their pursuit of a democratic society with dignity, justice, and human and civil rights for all.”

4. United Help Ukraine provides medical aid and humanitarian relief for front lines.

5. Sunflower of Peace prepares first aid medical tactical backpacks for paramedics and doctors on the front lines.

6. Revived Soldiers Ukraine is “a non-profitorganization dedicated to providing aid to the people of Ukraine so that they may fulfill fundamental rights and freedoms such as right to life, right to appropriate and affordable medical care, freedom of belief and freedom for an adequate standard of living.”

7. Voices of Children helps children affected by the war in eastern Ukraine.

8. You can donate to The Kyiv Independent to keep the curtains up for the independent Ukrainian/English journalism via their Patreon and GoFundMe.

I wish I didn’t have to write this, yet here we are. Please consider donating or sharing the original website where this information can be found: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co