Life Goes On For The World, But For Ukrainians, It Never Will Be The Same

Middle East Eye

Syria’s civilians are increasingly forgotten as humanitarian aid dries out

The Islamic State and drug kingpins fill the void as desperate civilians look for alternatives to feed themselves

The millions of civilians in need of humanitarian aid in Syria are bracing themselves for dwindling international help this year, after the World Food Programme (WFP) has ended its mandate for the country as of 2024.  The Syrian government last week extended its approval for cross-border United Nations humanitarian aid to be delivered through a crossing with Turkey for another six months.  The mechanism is an attempt by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad government to enhance his legitimacy in the eyes of the international community since Russia, a main backer of Assad, blocked UN Security Council resolution to use the Bab al-Hawa crossing in July, forcing international partners to work with Damascus. 

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Brands you can boycott to help Georgia (the country) fight against the foreign agent law +what you need to know about it:

[Image ID: Three logos of different international chains depicted on a white background. On top the bands presented are Wendy's and Subway. On the bottom, it's Dunkin' Donuts. End ID.]

The foreign agent law (also locally referred to as "the Russian law". On February 2023, the ruling majority of the parliament registered a draft law, addressing a completely made-up problem of transparency of non-governmental organizations. The law refers to non-governmental organizations that receive funding from abroad as "foreign agents." In Georgian, "foreign agent" carries the same meaning as "spy." Back in 2023, we managed to fight back against the law that would completely destroy student exchange programs, charity work, LGBT and disability organizations, etc. The law would also allow the government to persecute you for something inconsequential, such as an anti-government post on social media. If the law passes, it would cause most of Georgia to be locked out of international relations and would demolish most of our scarce support systems.

Those are not all of the brands that support the Russian law here, however they are the international ones that through their owners in Georgia support the passing of the law.

Additionally, the government has paid people outside the regions to protest in support of passing of the law, and has threatened them with losses of their jobs and the jobs of their family members.

The protests have been going for many days endlessly, and policemen have been getting more and more brutal. Utilizing things such as water jets, armor, shields, flashlights, smoke, gas, etc.

Please stay with Georgia and support it against the country that has endlessly colonized, genocided, and raped us.

💔 A Ukrainian poet and soldier, Maksym Kryvtsov, was killed by Russians at the front. He first volunteered for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2014. After the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022, he returned to its ranks to defend Ukraine.

Just yesterday, Maksym posted a photo with his new poetry book called "Poems from the loophole". It was recognised by PEN Ukraine, an NGO protecting freedom of speech and authors' rights, as one of the best Ukrainian books of 2023.

Shortly before his death, Maksym also posted a photo with his ginger cat on Instagram. The cat, to whom he had dedicated a poem, died with him.

Russia keeps killing Ukrainian poets and trying to destroy our culture. The evil must be held accountable for every crime, every life, and every word taken away.

Photos: Maksym Kryvtsov / Facebook

Our everyday struggle and fight for life aren't glamour decorations that can easily be erased. Don't silence our voices when Russia is staying unpunished for its crimes throughout the whole of Russian history. Support us, donate to our army and medics (safelifein.ua, prytulafoundation, ptahy. Before it's not too late. We running out of time and weapons. Please don't look away!

Art by Nikita Titov (Нікіта Тітов).

Four months ago this incredible family was blessed with a beautiful boy Timofey

Today he and his mother Anna were found under the rubble after russian drone attack on Odesa:

This is 3 years old Mark with his mother Anastasia. Tomorrow he could celebrate his birthday:

…but he won’t. His body was found under the rubble this morning. Along with his dad’s. His mother is in critical condition in a hospital.

This is their house in Odesa. One of the hundreds of thousands Ukrainian houses ruined by russia. 8 people killed. Zero military sense, pure terrorism. That’s just what russia does. Every day. For more than 2 years.

This is Tara. She’s a rescue dog. Today, Tara, along with two other service dogs and rescuers, found the body of a murdered child in the ruins. Tara lay down and cried:

I’d very much want to lay down and cry too. But I can’t. I can’t feel anything anymore. I’m just very very cold.

(c) artist Olexiy Kustovskiy

Фанати тут✌🏻

i finally drew patron 🥳

INKTOBER

Day 9: Sun.

"Blackout".

Day 10: Nomadic.

they destroyed the Tavrian Chersonesus and took artifacts to Russian museums I'm gonna be sick. This is 1600 years older than Notre Dame, THIS IS A UNESCO HERITAGE MONUMENT

What is the best way to financially help Ukraine? Is it better to go through organizations or gofundmes or something else I'm not aware of?

Thanks for asking, nonnie. That's very kind of you. If you or anyone else has some spare change and wants to give, here are a few ideas:

United24 is the official fundraising platform established by President Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian governmental members and directs money to all areas of the country.

The Olena Zelenska Foundation is primarily focused on medical, humanitarian, and educational aid across the country and was founded by the First Lady.

Stand for Ukraine gives you a range of charity options, depending on whether you want to donate directly to the military, or you would prefer to fund non-lethal or humanitarian aid, etc.

Come Back Alive is the main fundraising platform for the Ukrainian military. You can choose to donate to air defense, heavy weapons, demining, medical aid, overall combat equipment, etc.

Donate to Ukraine's Defenders also offers various (carefully vetted) links and options to donate to rebuilding projects, private medical assistance programs, initiatives for democracy, and others.