Solidarity with the people of Ukraine

"More terrible is love in Kyiv than/ Magnificent Venetian passions. Butterflies/ Fly light and maculate into bright tapers –/Dead caterpillars’ brilliant wings aflame!'/And spring has lit the chestnuts’ candles!" 'Love in Kyiv' by Natalka Bilotserkivets, translated by Andrew Sorokowsky, found in Calvert Journal

Mundane things feel next to impossible on a day like this, a day to which 'like this' itself seems inapproriate, because there shouldn't be others. It feels incomparable. How do we give what's happening the attention it deserves? How should that attention be channeled?

As news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine continue to come in, it's difficult to know how to help. We must, I think, remember that people on the ground know best what is needed and listening to them, amplifying their voices wherever possible, is paramount.

For today, here is a humanitarian organisation working in Ukraine that is actively seeking resources to evacuate people, provide aid and psychosocial support:

Vostok SOS

We'll add to this list as information comes in, and continue to look for ways to stand in solidairty with the people of Ukraine, as well as those protesting the invasion. This is a thread of videos of protests from the last twenty-four hours throughout Russia, which shows there is resistance.

It's also important to remember that the UK government continues to push for its Nationality and Borders Bill, making it exceedingly difficult for refugees to seek safety here. Resistance to this bill is another way to make sure we support those currently fleeing the war.

Lastly, the Ukraine that exists every other day, that exists beyond war, and that its population desperately want to save, must continue to be celebrated. Below is a list of Ukranian writers worth seeking out and learning from, now more than ever.