After months of mounting tension, Russia categorically invaded Ukraine [1] on 24 Feb. under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin. Blasts were initially reported in Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, and the capital city of Kyiv. As the day progressed, explosions were heard in several regions throughout the country. With airports also struck, civilians fled the capital by car for less populated regions. At press time, an estimated 40 soldiers and 10 civilians are dead [2].

In the lead-up to the conflict evoking the Cold War, Russia demanded security guarantees [3] from the United States and NATO after the military alliance organisation moved towards accessing Ukraine. "We put it straight: there must be no further expansion of NATO eastward," Putin said late last year. Putin's stated objective, although widely questioned, is to reunify the region [4] and usher in a return to the perceived glory of the Soviet Union. In the days leading up to the full-scale invasion, Putin notably backed separatist groups [5], who are in favour of annexation, in the region of Donbas.

"The scenes unfolding in the streets and fields of Ukraine are nothing short of a tragedy," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said [6]. Continuing, "The people of the United Kingdom stand with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in the face of this unjustifiable assault on your homeland. We salute the fierce bravery and patriotism of your government, your military and your people. Putin's actions are leading to complete isolation for Russia".

United States President Joe Biden condemned the invasion [7], calling it an "unprovoked and unjustified attack." Biden said he would be speaking with allies to discuss further action, although the nation's potential involvement in the conflict is currently unclear. "President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering," Biden said. "The world will hold Russia accountable."

Following the invasion, Biden also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy [8], who called on world leaders to speak out against Russian aggression. "The war is a big disaster, and this disaster has a high price. With every meaning of this word. People lose money, reputation, quality of life, they lose freedom. But the main thing is that people lose their loved ones, they lose themselves," Zelenskyy said in a speech appealing to Russian citizens [9]. "Our main goal is peace in Ukraine and the safety of our people, Ukrainians."

In the week since fighting began, reports have also emerged of African immigrants being especially affected [10] as a result of mistreatment from Ukrainians and Ukrainian authorities. While over 660,000 refugees have now fled Ukraine, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [11], many Africans in the country have been stopped at border crossings, pushed to the back of lines, and even beaten.

In a statement, the African Union condemned the treatment of Africans [12] in Ukraine. "Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach [of] international law," the statement read. "The Chairpersons urge all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity."

Despite the rising anxiety and uncertainty about the future worldwide, there are still ways to aid Ukrainians in their time of need. Ahead, read about some of the many organisations endorsed by local civilians and publications.

Organisations Offering Aid to Ukrainian Civilians

• United Help Ukraine [13] distributes food and medical supplies. The charity organisation is fundraising [14] to provide humanitarian aid to displaced civilians, as well as first-aid kits to soldiers on the front lines.
• The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain started a GoFundMe page [15] and so far have raised over £1 million.
• The UNHCR refugee agency [16] is accepting monetary donations
• The British Red Cross [17] is accepting donations that will help provide food, shelter, and first aid.
• Voices of Children [18] offers psychological and psychosocial support to children affected by war in Ukraine. The charity's team of psychologists and volunteers routinely visits the Donbas region to assist children living on the front lines with various methods, including art therapy.
• Support Hospitals in Ukraine [19] supplies hospitals with medical supplies and equipment from the United States. Donations are being accepted [20] to help fund the delivery of ten shipping containers of supplies to hospitals in Kyiv, Odessa, and other cities.

Organisations Offering Aid to Ukrainian Soldiers

• Come Back Alive [21] is a Kyiv-based organisation supporting Ukrainian soldiers with essential equipment.
• Army SOS [22] is a similar local organisation purchasing gear, food, and uniforms for the Ukrainian army.
• Sunflower of Peace [23] provides medical assistance and necessities to displaced civilians and children in Ukraine. The organisation is currently raising money [24] to supply soldiers and front-line doctors with backpacks containing first-aid supplies.
• Revived Soldiers Ukraine [25] is dedicated to rehabilitating soldiers with medical care and other essential needs, like housing.

Journalists Covering the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

• Stay informed by following the work of correspondents on the ground and closely covering the conflict. For starters, bookmark this Twitter list [26] started by NBC News Politics Reporter Rebecca Shabad.
• The Kyiv Independent [27] is a publication started by journalists who were fired from The Kyiv Post after challenging the now-shuttered newspaper's ethical standards and journalistic independence. The Kyiv Independent is also Ukraine's main English-language media outlet. It is currently accepting donations through GoFundMe [28], and various subscription levels are also available via Patreon [29].