Help us support Ukrainians affected by Russia’s war

A new fundraising campaign from Helpdesk, TV Rain, and Meduza

Meduza is partnering with the human rights media project Helpdesk and the independent news outlet TV Rain to launch Let’s Help, a fundraiser to support Ukrainian civilians who have suffered from Russia’s war. The project’s goal is to provide continuous financial assistance to Ukrainians who’ve lost their homes and lack access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medicine. The project will give hundreds of thousands of Russians living abroad a safe way to donate to people in Ukraine. But we’re asking everyone who is able and who lives outside of Russia to help.

Why now?

It’s been two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and “war fatigue” appears to be setting in. While the world’s eyes once seemed fixed on Ukraine, the daily tragedies Ukrainians are forced to endure have largely faded from the headlines.

But the war hasn’t gone anywhere. It continues to destroy lives, demolish towns and villages, and separate families. Every day, someone in Ukraine loses their home. Thousands of people lack access to water, food, warm clothing, medicine, hygiene products, and other essentials.

We can help, and we must help — first and foremost, with financial support.

Donate now.

Who will be collecting the money?

The Helpdesk project was launched in 2022 with the mission of providing support for victims of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Its founders, who have extensive experience in organizing successful fundraisers, have established connections with numerous Ukrainian organizations. Their work helps civilians cope with the consequences of the war every day.

Where will the money go?

All the money we collect will be sent to Ukrainian organizations that help civilians affected by the war, including families who have lost their homes, children who have lost their parents, and elderly people. We’ll also donate to help animals who’ve been injured and abandoned.

The money will likewise be used for targeted assistance to families and individuals living close to the front line. It won’t be sent to the military or used for military purposes.

While preparing for this project, Helpdesk received over a thousand requests for humanitarian aid from various regions of Ukraine. Its team is in contact with in-country humanitarian organizations that keep it informed of current needs on the ground.

An example

In the Ukrainian village of Dobra Krynytsya, there are 73 families with a total of 140 children. Because there’s no running water, residents are forced to collect rainwater; if it hasn’t rained in a while, they have nothing to drink. Just $8 a month is enough to provide one resident with clean water.

Every month, Let’s Help’s organizers will make joint decisions on where to send the money we collect. On the 15th of each month, Helpdesk will publish reports on the fundraiser’s website. There, you’ll find information on how much money has been collected and where it’s been sent.

If you have any questions, you can always email donate@helpdesk.media.

How much should I donate?

The size of your donation is less important than its consistency. If you’re at all able, consider signing up for a monthly payment. Even if the amount is small, a regular donation will help us accomplish our goal of providing stable and effective support.

How we process payments securely

Because many of our readers may have connections to Russia and could face legal consequences for helping Ukrainians, payments are sent through the fundraiser organization. This means there will be no mention of Ukraine on your bank statement.

All donations are accepted through a secure payment system.

We will not store your payment data or email address. We adhere to strict digital security measures.

When will the fundraiser end?

Our plan is to keep it open until the end of the war. We intend to keep raising money for as long as you’re willing to help. Every donation is important.

Ukrainian civilians have suffered more in this war than anyone else. Let’s stand with them and offer our support.

What else can I do?

Please consider helping Meduza, Helpdesk, and TV Rain.

Independent media and humanitarian projects also need your support to continue accurately documenting what’s happening in Russia and Ukraine and helping those affected by the war.

Meduza