On February 24, Russian forces launched an invasion of Ukraine and started a war.
War is a man-made disaster that affects the physical and mental wellbeing across all borders. War destroys health infrastructure, health advancement and the capacity for health systems to respond to health consequences of violence and its rippling effects.
This act of aggression is an effort to disregard global agreements and democratic processes that honor boundaries, cultures and histories and support peace. This attack creates a humanitarian crisis, threatening and harming innocent populations and separating families.
Demagoguery by Vladimir Putin is being used to justify Russia's attack on Ukraine and its people. While this is the largest attack against one European state by another since WWII, false rhetoric and nationalism is not new.
We, as an academic community, hold a responsibility to speak out against war, nationalism and its associated threats and violence. We must harness the collective expertise and care of our community to take a stance against imperialism and the many ways it threatens the health of all people.
In addition to social media posts, statements of solidarity and expressions of concern and care, we can and must do more. Social justice is a core principle and practice of public health. We call on our community to participate in efforts to stop the war, and disrupt this and all forms of intimidation and war both abroad and domestically. We are a global community already in a syndemic to which we now add war. We are all impacted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing displacement and loss of lives and the future health and safety of the Ukrainian people.
Ways you can help
Donate
International Organizations
- USA for the Ukrainian refugees
- Red Cross for Ukraine
- World Central Kitchen
- International Rescue Committee
- Save the Children
Donations to Ukrainian Organizations
Participate
Join UMD for Ukraine
Add your name and contact information in this Google Form if you want to be informed about the events to support Ukraine and Ukrainian students at the University of Maryland.
Candlelight Vigil at the McKeldin Library at 4 pm on Th 3/3
Stand with Ukraine at the White House in DC at 2 pm on Sun 3/6
Advocate
Contact your elected representatives
- Tips and tricks on writing to your elected representatives
- USAGov information on how to contact your elected officials
- A comprehensive tool to find your House and Senate representatives, how to contact them, as well as bills they’ve introduced, and other information
- A template letter you can use to email your representatives
Stay Informed
Ukraine Now says that one of the most important things you can do for Ukraine right now is to read and share only verified, accurate information about Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Visit their site to see other ways you can Stand with Ukraine.
Boundless gathered a few other trustworthy sources you can refer to:
Ukrainian Outlets
- The Kyiv Independent
- The New Voice of Ukraine
- The Kyiv Post (this is a state-funded outlet which has been among the first to deliver breaking news from the Ukrainian government and national offices).
American and Other International Outlets
- Associated Press: Russia-Ukraine | Breaking News & Live Updates
- Reuters: Ukraine and Russia: What you need to know right now | Reuters
- British Broadcasting Corporation: Ukraine live updates – BBC News
- AFP News Agency (Agence France Presse): AFP News Agency
University of Maryland