Shining Light: the War in Ukraine 1 year later
Today marks one year since Russia launched it’s full-scale invasion into Ukraine, igniting the largest armed conflict and greatest humanitarian crises the world has seen since WWII.
While the war has remained within the boundaries of Ukraine, it’s impact has been felt across all corners of the globe. The latest data from the UNHCR reports that over the last year more than 8 million Ukrainians (20% of the nation’s prewar population) have fled their country, while another 4.5 million people are currently displaced within Ukraine.
The loss of life on both sides has also been staggering. UN reports convey over 11,000 civilians have been injured and at least 7,199 civilians have been killed - that’s 2.5 times the number of souls we lost in the attacks of September 11, 2001. Those figures are dwarfed by the sad reality that 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died and US Military projections believe around 200,000 Russian military have been killed in this war.
In the face of such loss and senseless tragedy it’s easy to question whether our assistance is making any real difference; after all, what good can emerge from such violence?
But, my friend, even in the midst of war, hope springs eternal. . .
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Over the course of the last year I have witnessed MORE light than darkness, MORE courage that fear, MORE hope than despair, and MORE love than hate.
The Azov regiment soldier stands in a ray of light at the Azovstal steel plant, published shortly before their surrender. May 2022. Credit: Dmytro ‘Orest’ Kozatsky / Azov regiment
In the early months of the war, April-September, our rag-tag volunteer efforts raised $70,000 that we personally administered in the form of humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees in Lublin, Poland, citizens displaced within Ukraine, and Ukrainian soldiers battling on the front lines.
Since September, when we formalized those early volunteer efforts by incorporating into The International Bridge Collective, we have raised over $25,000 that, again, we have personally administered to refugees in Lublin and soldiers in Ukraine through our partners there on the ground.
It’s because of the continued generosity of people, like you, that we are able to be a bridge to people hurting. Over this proverbial bridge we’re bringing supplies and financial support, but the greatest gift these resources provide is the reminder that the people of Ukraine matter and are not forgotten. It’s like that one small crack in the veil that lets in light and reminds us we’re not alone in the darkness.
Thank you for your support of Ukraine and our efforts as an organization. You make this possible.
With gratitude for shining the light,
Lauren
In Ukraine with Middle School students in an underground bomb shelter during air raids; they wanted to practice their English and take selfies!
An MRE (meal ready to eat): hand-packed by volunteers at The Ukrainian Dream & feeds a soldier for 1.5days. Cost = $6/MRE and through your contributions we’ve been able to feed over 350 soldiers!
Soldiers in the field receiving MREs
In Lublin Poland with Pastor Igor Buben who donated 100s of pounds of food we delivered into Ukraine.
Delivering gloves, boots, protective eye wear and other items into Ukraine.
In Ukraine seeing these 2 older Ukrainian women exude quiet strength by sipping their coffee in a shop with no power
Ukrainian refugee children in Lublin, Poland who are using the English language books we delivered as part of Light In You education program.
Witnessing the tireless dedication of Ukrainian volunteers at The Ukrainian Dream in Ukraine.
Paying our respects to fallen soldiers - “The Alley of Heroes”, western Ukraine.
