Category: Humanitarian/Medical

Written By: Bohdan Romaniuk, VP Alberta, Canada-Ukraine Foundation

First, a basic truth. The only way to stop the ongoing murder in Ukraine is by intervening with physical force. Resolutions of condemnation and economic penalties are unlikely to have any effect.

It is therefore shocking to observe far more agreement within NATO on the red lines it will not cross in assisting Ukraine against Russian aggression, than on the red lines it will not allow Vladimir Putin to cross in his campaign against the people of Ukraine. Indeed, to date, not one world leader has had the courage to answer the following question: How many Ukrainian civilians must be murdered before any of the 141 countries signing the UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will take immediate, concrete steps to stop the slaughter?

The world’s leaders it seems, are becoming increasingly inured to the heartrending cascade of pleas from Ukraine — every minute of every day — for assistance in stopping the relentless, merciless and criminal bombing of its civilian population. NATO, for its part, remains steadfast in its refusal to place “boots on the ground” (and pilots in the air) to prevent Putin’s ongoing annihilation of Ukraine. This, however, misapprehends Ukraine’s fundamental request. It is not for allied soldiers to fight alongside Ukraine’s military. Rather, it is a plea for the weapons and equipment Ukraine needs to neutralize Russia’s air superiority, such as fighter jets, anti-aircraft missile systems and drones.

NATO is concerned that any escalation in the assistance it provides to Ukraine may lead to World War Three and an all-out nuclear war. This is what Putin has threatened and, apparently, what the alliance fears.

There is a problem with this pledge of inaction, at least for Ukraine and its beleaguered civilians. It leaves them vulnerable to Putin’s attacks, which the world continues to watch in horror on TV each night, while suffering, at least somewhat, from the pangs of a less than clear conscience. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not been the only one to say Russia’s invasion “shows signs of genocide.” One might reasonably ask, does anything of substance remain of the world’s post-Holocaust promise of “Never again?”

Let us draw some conclusions from this.

First, Article 5 of the NATO Charter, which treats an attack against one NATO member as an attack against all members, is either an unbreakable pledge of collective defence, or it is a bluff, a hollow threat.

Second, if Article 5 is not a bluff, then the rationale for declining Ukraine’s requests falls apart. In a word, NATO cannot have it both ways. It either fears nuclear confrontation with Russia and will avoid it at all costs, or it doesn’t and won’t. Clearly, NATO’s commitment to collective defence, if resolute and inviolate, constitutes a complete rejection of Putin’s nuclear blackmail. So why the fear of assisting a country whose innocent civilians are being slaughtered?

Third, whether or not Article 5 is a bluff, by refusing Ukraine’s plea for the military hardware it requires to defend itself against war crimes being committed by a much larger, much more powerful, nuclear-armed invader, NATO is providing a green light to all similarly inclined predator states possessing a nuclear arsenal. The corollary to this is also telling. While the lives of people living in NATO member countries may be worth saving at all costs against foreign aggression, the lives of Ukrainian citizens (and, more generally, of all people living outside NATO countries) are not.

Fourth, if Article 5 is not a bluff, there may be another, more cynical reason underpinning NATO’s desire to limit its involvement in militarily aiding Ukraine. That is, from NATO’s perspective, there are advantages to remaining on the sidelines until Russia either loses its war with Ukraine, or occupies Ukraine but then sustains mortal wounds following many years of unsuccessfully fighting an unforgiving guerrilla war led by a determined Ukrainian resistance. Either way, Russia suffers a crushing defeat, NATO wins, and Ukraine … well, Ukraine is yet again abandoned by the world in its time of need, to suffer unbearable losses and unimaginable destruction, before rising again from the rubble, to rebuild and renew its democracy, restore its sovereignty and independence, and take all necessary steps to never again rely on the promises of others as it did, most recently, in 1994. As the world well knows, under the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine voluntarily transferred its entire nuclear arsenal to Russia in exchange for promises from America, the U.K. and Russia to protect its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. It’s unlikely to ever make a mistake like that again.

One prays the above supposition is wrong. But unless NATO provides Ukraine with the military equipment and assistance it needs to defeat Russia, NATO’s excuses for declining such aid will forever remain suspect.

Your donation is needed to help support this important community project!
Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through:www.cufoundation.ca  For further information: [email protected]

BackgroundThe Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner. 

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Committee is established jointly by the two organizations to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis. 

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4).For further information: [email protected]

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), is immensely grateful to all Canadians for their generous support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.

As Russia continues its vicious assault on Ukrainian civilians, indiscriminately shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities, the need for humanitarian aid grows every day.

Most recently Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced a contribution of $5 million to the Humanitarian Appeal on behalf of the Province of Alberta in addition to $1M previously announced.

Early today, Orest Sklierenko, CUF President and CEO met with Premier Kenney in person to express his gratitude to the Government of Alberta and the people of Alberta for their support and to provide an update on the aid that has already been delivered to affected families in Ukraine and bordering countries.

“Canadians from coast to coast to coast are mobilizing in support of relief efforts for Ukraine. The kindness we have seen in the last weeks is both inspiring and overwhelming,” stated Orest Sklierenko, President and CEO of CUF. “Canada is truly united in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people!”

“The CUF/UCC Humanitarian Appeal has already delivered multiple tranches of aid, valued at over $2 million. Aid has been delivered wherever affected recipients are found, from heavily shelled areas in the north and east of the country, to areas in the west of Ukraine and in neighbouring countries where displaced families are in need of support.”

We are withholding more specific information due to security concerns. Subsequent tranches of support will follow in coming days as we monitor and confirm prior deliveries of support and assess the evolving needs, together with partners on the ground in all parts of Ukraine and its neighbours where help is required.

Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes.#HelpUkraineNow

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made

through: www.cufoundation.ca  

For further information: [email protected]

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner. 

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Committee is established jointly by the two organizations to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis. 

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4). For further information: [email protected]

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), is immensely grateful to all Canadians for their generous support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.

As Russia continues its vicious assault on Ukrainian civilians, indiscriminately shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities, the need for humanitarian aid grows every day. On Monday we were honoured to participate in the Red FM and Sanjha TV South Asian Canadian Community’s Telethon and Radiothon, which raised at least $300,000 and more still coming. We’ll keep you updated on this outstanding fundraising efforts soon.

The CUF/UCC Humanitarian Appeal has already delivered two tranches of aid, totaling $1.62 million. Subsequent tranches of support will follow in coming days as we monitor and confirm prior deliveries of support and assess the evolving needs together with partners on the ground. We are withholding more specific information due to security concerns.

“In Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians – we see the depravity and evil of the Russian regime. In the bravery and unity of Ukrainians – and in the generosity, compassion, and charity of Canadians across the country – we see the best of humanity,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “We are truly grateful to everyone for the immense support the Ukrainian people are receiving from Canadians during this difficult time. Thank you! Merci! Дякую!”

All donations, no matter how large or small, will help the people of Ukraine in their time of need!

Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes.

#HelpUkraineNow

Your donation is needed to help support this important project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca  or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4).

For further information: [email protected].

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Committee is established jointly by the two organizations to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis.

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4). For further information: [email protected]

Ukrainian Canadian Leadership Establishes Humanitarian Relief Hub in Preparation for Further Russian Invasion

TORONTO/OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) today announced the establishment of a Humanitarian Relief Committee in preparation of a humanitarian crisis ensuing from further Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee is established jointly by the two organizations to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by crisis.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between UCC and CUF details a framework for mutual collaboration. The MOA’s main purpose and scope is as follows:

• to work collaboratively on humanitarian assistance initiatives directed towards Ukraine, facilitating uniform and coordinated action between the UCC and CUF, its branches, and members, while building on the recognized expertise, experience, and resources of each organization;
• to develop projects that will combine the subject matter and implementation experience of CUF with the expertise of UCC in uniting the Ukrainian Canadian community;
• to offer donors and other stakeholders an opportunity to make contributions and receive reports through a single channel; and
• to adopt a coordinated approach in collaboration with donors and other stakeholders who wish to support people in Ukraine affected by crisis.

The main efforts of cooperation will be to provide humanitarian assistance/relief in the areas of Assistance to displaced persons, Medical care, Emergency shelter and Food security. The roles and responsibilities of UCC and CUF are detailed in the MOA, including financial accountability, reporting requirements and overall transparency to the Ukrainian Canadian community.

The members of the committee are:

• Victor Hetmanczuk – Chair
• Oksana Kuzyshyn – Vice-Chair
• Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz – Secretary
• Anna Kuprieieva – Member

“The Ukrainian Canadian community is extremely concerned about the ongoing escalation of Russian aggression on Ukraine’s borders. As Canadians, we stand with the Ukrainian people, and their right to enjoy freedom, democracy, and live in a safe and secure independent state,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.  

“For almost three decades, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation has helped coordinate and deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine as it makes strides to grow its democracy towards economic prosperity and freedom,” added Orest Sklierenko, CUF’s President and CEO. “Our foundation was created to help in times of need; with the continued aggression and interference from the Putin regime, we are turning to all Canadians to help support this vital humanitarian work.”

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress brings together under one umbrella all the national, provincial and local Ukrainian Canadian organizations.  The Canada-Ukraine Foundation was formed in order to coordinate, develop, organize and deliver assistance projects generated by Canadians and directed to Ukraine.

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office.

For further information:  [email protected]