Bulletin No.14
Discussion - The Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The complicated crisis and conflict between Russia and Ukraine is the subject of debate around the world, and recent developments have prompted international outcry and relief efforts.
Ukraine, a European country home to around 44 million people, has recently come under attack and invasion from the Russian military authorised by President Putin. Since the 24th February 2022, Russian forces have increasingly hit Ukrainian cities and civilisation with fatal and destructive airstrikes, including the bombing of homes, hospitals and schools.
President Putin justifies the invasion as necessary to protect Russia, declaring that they are unsafe to exist because of Ukrainian threat. Putin has gone as far as to announce his aim of ‘de-Nazifying Ukraine’, a far-fetched claim that links a previously harmonious Ukraine with genocide and extremism. Putin has previously claimed that Russia and Ukraine are ‘one nation’, and dispute Ukraine leaving the now dissolved USSR over 30 years ago.
Ukraine’s president and popular media figure Volodymyr Zelensky strongly disputes Putin’s statements, condemning the attack on his country and the consequential displacement of his people. Zelensky vows that Ukraine will ‘defend themselves’ against the invasion.
More than 2.5 million people have so far fled Ukraine, the UN suggesting that this is the fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War Two.
In terms of human rights, Amnesty International states its ‘soaring concern’. “The Russian Invasion is likely to lead to the most horrific consequences for human lives and rights”.
For innocent civilians caught up in the political conflict, their homes and settlements are being destroyed, with 636 lives estimated to have been lost between the 24th February – 14th March 2022 (source – the United Nations).
Amnesty suggests that the conflict could also lead to acute food shortages and mass displacement in Europe. They urge the Russian authorities to stop their ‘act of aggression’.
How can I get involved?
Externally
Senior officials from Unicef and Action Against Hunger stated to the Guardian newspaper that cash donations are currently the most effective way that the public can donate to the Human Rights crisis unfolding in Ukraine. This allows goods to be purchased where they are needed, which also supports local economies. The British Red Cross and Save The Children also welcome donations to their efforts in Ukraine.
Action Against Hunger: https://www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk/ukraine-appeal
British Red Cross: https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
Save The Children: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/europe/ukraine
Local charities include Sunflowers of Peace and Voices of the Children, both of which offer on the ground support, supplies and medical attention. Razom for Ukraine aims to protect the civil rights of Ukrainians, and was discussed in the last bulletin.
Support of the anti-war efforts can also be shown via social media support of Ukrainian journalism, joining local rallies and campaigns, or writing to local MP’s. This helps to pressure the British Government in their sanctioning of violent conflict.
Sunflowers of Peace: https://www.sunflowerofpeace.com
Voices of the Children: https://voices.org.ua/en/
Razom: https://razomforukraine.org
Internally
UoM has issued a response to the situation in Ukraine, setting up a hub for information and support. Students can get involved via the Students’ Union Ukraine appeal, or the Manchester based-charity UK-Med, who have pledged to get emergency healthcare to those who need it in Ukraine.
UoM urges students to keep an eye out for events hosted by the Students’ Union to support the innocent civilians caught up in the conflict.
Charity Spotlight
In light of UoM x LWOB’s fundraiser event, this week’s charity spotlight is ‘Manchester Central Foodbank’, a local food bank that gives food supplies to those in crisis in Greater Manchester.
The charity is founded on the philosophy that ‘no one in the community should have to face going hungry’ and thus provide nutritional emergency food to residents of Manchester in need. They operate as part of a network of food banks across the country, with an overriding aim of combating national poverty and hunger.
You can support their efforts by donating via their website or volunteering. Additionally, we encourage you to attend our fundraising social event, entry permitted upon a physical food donation. Keep your eyes out on our Instagram posts for more information!
Visit the charities donation page here: https://manchestercentral.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/
Visit our Instagram here: @uom_lwob
