Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov
The recent revelations from President Zelenskyy’s press conference and ongoing issues with government corruption are deeply concerning. However, we must not let the actions of some leaders overshadow the remarkable courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. This is a critical moment to support ordinary Ukrainians as they stand against tyranny and dream of a better future.
Now more than ever, it is important that we find ways large and small to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, both within the country and the diaspora worldwide. As I outline in this post, there are many grassroots efforts we can contribute to even amid leadership failures – decentralized civil society initiatives, cultural exchanges, rebuilding assistance, countering disinformation, and more.
Lets start with key points from Валерій Пекар on how people can stand and dream with Ukraine:
Ukraine has hundreds of thousands fighting against the enemy, millions donating to support them, tens of thousands volunteering, and many more working in other crucial areas like reforms, business, infrastructure. This demonstrates Ukraine’s resilience and strength.
Ukraine’s power lies in its decentralized, horizontal networks rather than inefficient state institutions. People should rely on and support civil society efforts rather than expect much from the state. Everyone doing their small part adds up to make a big impact.
While allies won’t let Ukraine be defeated, they aren’t yet willing to help Ukraine achieve victory. Ukraine needs to clearly define what victory looks like and convince allies it is in their interest too. Ukraine’s continued resolve strengthens its negotiating position with allies.
People should take care of themselves and those around them first. Support needs to be sustainable – if someone is burning out, others should be ready to take their place.
The war won’t last forever. Ukraine plays a pivotal role in the fate of the world – if it falls, war could engulf much of the globe. Everyone should contribute what they can to end the war sooner rather than later, as time is of the essence.
I have added few additional points on how people can stand and dream with Ukraine. Find your way, add to the list and inspire others to stand and dream with Ukraine:
Keep believing in Ukraine’s eventual victory, no matter how difficult things get. Visualize the future we fight for – a free, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine integrated with Europe.
Push for more robust military aid packages from allies to give Ukraine the heavy weapons it needs to liberate occupied territories. Advocate for this with your elected representatives.
Amplify Ukrainian voices within Ukraine and stories of Ukrainian Diaspora and people who stand with Ukraine globally in the media and culture. Support Ukrainian artists, writers, filmmakers sharing their experience with the world.
Commit to rebuilding help later. Ukraine will need massive reconstruction assistance. Consider volunteering skills in engineering, construction, urban planning.
Stand against normalization of relations with russia globally until they end aggression. Advocate for diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions.
When safe, travel to Ukraine as a tourist later to contribute to economic renewal. Encourage friends and family to visit as well when possible.
Learn the inspiring history of Ukraine’s repeated struggle for freedom and independence over centuries. Share this story.
Confront disinformation about Ukraine spread by russian propaganda wherever you see it. Fight the information warfare.
Develop more renewable energy alternatives to undermine the gas leverage russia uses to threaten Europe. Innovate away from fossil fuel dependence.
Consider investing in Ukrainian startups and businesses down the line. Support entrepreneurs rebuilding the private sector economy.
Push universities and employers to recognize degrees of Ukrainian students and workers displaced by the war, so their education and careers are not derailed. Support creation of stand with Ukraine scholarship in your local university.
Organize cultural exchanges – e.g. have Ukrainian artists, musicians, authors speak about their work and experiences.
Support fact-checking organizations countering disinformation in Ukraine. Help amplify their content.
Advocate for keeping russian sanctions in place even in the face of rising energy prices, to not let public pressure undermine this leverage.
Keep attention focused on the war even as media moves to cover other events. Don’t let updates fade to the back pages.
Research Ukrainian companies and nonprofits working on positive social impact issues from environment to equality. Invest in their growth.
Join online groups creating art, music, poems in solidarity with Ukraine. Express creative support.
Display the Ukrainian flag prominently in public gatherings, concerts, rallies. Make visible signs of allegiance.
Once safe, organize educational exchanges – have Ukrainian students and teachers visit schools overseas to share their stories.
Partner universities in safe countries with Ukrainian universities whose operations are disrupted by war, so Ukrainian students can temporarily study overseas.
Advocate for confiscating sanctioned russian oligarchs’ seized assets and using funds to rebuild Ukraine later.
Research impact of trade disruptions from blocked Black Sea ports – support emergency rerouting of food exports.
Encourage tech companies to accept more Ukrainian IT talent into existing coding bootcamps and training programs.
Keep record of russian war crimes for eventual prosecution. Gather data, documents for future trials against aggressors.
Ask politicians at every public Q&A about their specific policy plans for supporting Ukraine. Keep public focus unrelenting.
Support mental health services to treat Ukrainian veterans and civilians suffering trauma from the devastation of war when fighting stops.
Fund civilian emergency training in Ukraine on explosives removal, paramedic skills, collapsed building rescue to prevent additional deaths from russian attacks
Once infrastructure is steadier, travel to Ukraine on volunteer missions when invited to directly contribute expertise rebuilding afflicted communities.
Have artists design Ukraine-themed merchandise and donate profits to Ukraine relief efforts. Spread solidarity branding.
Keep bravery of everyday Ukrainians fighting for freedom central to all discussions of global democratic struggles against autocracy.
Commit long term to supporting refugees rebuilding lives overseas until one day Ukraine is safe for their voluntary return.
Remember the fallen, honour their memory and sacrifice by finishing the work of establishing a peaceful democratic Ukraine.
Envision victory celebrations in the streets when Ukraine prevails and russian forces are pushed out for good. Manifest this joyful end.
Learn from Ukrainian activists successful nonviolent resistance tactics used in both Maidan revolutions to apply to other freedom movements globally.
Dream boldly of Ukraine not just reconstructed but transformed into the prosperous, dynamic, pivotal European state it has the potential to become.
While Ukraine’s path remains difficult given political and economic challenges, this cannot undercut the vision of victory held by millions within the country. If people abroad match the determination of Ukrainians to secure freedom, provide humanitarian aid, and even envision long-term reconstruction, we can transform Ukraine’s dream into reality.
Though government corruption provokes understandable outrage, we must stay focused on the Ukrainian people’s remarkable resolve. Our solidarity with them is unconditional – not tied to any single leader but rooted in supporting their self-determination. The strategies in this post offer initial ways we can make a tangible difference. But this is just the beginning; as the struggle continues, so must our empathy, activism and moral commitment to stand with the brave citizens of Ukraine.
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