Ukraine Aid Efforts: European Governments And the US Step Up Assistance

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, multiple governments, organizations, and charities have joined to assist Ukraine. Since the February 24, 2022, invasion, more than three million refugees have fled the country.

Government authorities, local partners, the private sector, churches, community-based organizations, and individuals play a pivotal role in providing immediate assistance. In addition, humanitarian partners have scaled up the response to mitigate the conflict’s impact by providing food assistance, protection services, access to safe water, shelter, and health care.

A Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) grant of US$20 million and a Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) allocation of US$18 million will support the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Flash Appeal. As of February 24, 2022, CERF has allocated US$20 million for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and neighboring countries. 

The CERF allocation allows UN agencies and partners to scale up humanitarian operations further and enhance supply chain capacity to provide targeted humanitarian assistance to people affected by the recent surge in violence.

SWISS SUPPORT

The Swiss government moved swiftly to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Switzerland's humanitarian support package includes three elements—sending relief supplies, deploying Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) specialists, and providing financial support to humanitarian organizations—helping the 12 million now dependent on aid due to Russia’s invasion.

Switzerland’s initial package included 500 tons of relief supplies to Ukraine, Poland, and Moldova, representing eight million Swiss Franc (CHF). In addition, the Swiss Federal Council recently increased its humanitarian aid package to Ukraine for a total of 80 million CHF.

The funds will go to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and projects implemented by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Ukraine. In addition, Ukrainian refugees in neighboring countries will receive a quarter of the increased aid while earmarking the remaining three-quarters to help those in Ukraine. 

EU SUPPORT

Support from the EU includes €300 million in EU funding for response activities dealing with the humanitarian consequences of the crisis. The funds will be allocated for medical supplies and equipment, ambulances, beds, tents, generators, and other much-needed emergency relief items via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to Ukraine and neighboring countries hosting Ukrainian refugees.

US SUPPORT

The US has approved US$13.6 billion in aid for Ukraine, slating roughly half the money for military purposes. The US package also includes US$3.65 billion for weapons transfers and sales to Ukraine and another US$3 billion to support more US troops in Europe.

In addition, a portion of the funds will support economic warfare against Russia, including efforts to seize the assets of Russian oligarchs. Still, most of the economic aid will pay for humanitarian relief and disaster assistance. That includes helping refugees and aiding people displaced within Ukraine.

On March 12, 2022, one day after the spending package was signed, the White House announced another US$200 million in immediate military assistance to Ukraine. It includes small arms and anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons from US defense stocks.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) is also partnering with United Nations agencies to position critical relief supplies throughout Ukraine, including emergency food, surgery and medical kits, thermal blankets, and sanitation supplies. 

TRUSTBRIDGE GLOBAL UKRAINE RAPID RESPONSE FUND

The TrustBridge network has received a surge in inquiries from donors asking how to help Ukraine since the February 24, 2022, Russian invasion in Ukraine, activating the TrustBridge Rapid Response Fund. The fund allows donors to contribute to a pool administered by a panel of experts with connections and experience in funding charities and programs in the region.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

For all donors seeking to make charitable donations, you can learn more about the TrustBridge Ukraine Rapid Response Fund by clicking on the link to our Global Charity Directory, which will provide giving options for donors from any country.