Keeping Up With The Russian-Ukrainian War

Thing about war, as it's happening, is that there's too much going on to keep up with it.

Keeping up with news sources like NPR or AP News helps, and I follow those links when I can. It's been suggested to follow these sources to keep up with the minute-by-minute madness:

Kyiv Independent (Ukrainian newspaper)

Terrell J Starr (Twitter feed for Foreign Policy correspondent)

I'd also keep an eye on Adam L Silverman at Balloon Juice for his insights.

The other thing about war is, you want to do whatever you can to stop it. Even as one person you want to help the innocent caught in a war zone, overwhelming as the whole situation can be. (There IS one person who can stop any war, but it's the warmonger who started it and Putin does not look like he's willing to agree to that any time soon).

There's been chatter on social media, and I've even met one in person, with those who've trained and deployed in the U.S. military willing to hop onto a plane to fly over to Ukraine (or close enough) and offer their services. Thing is, that's not a smart idea: You're just adding one more person to a chaotic situation that will need to get clothed and fed and treated for wounds. You're better off - most of us are better off - staying where we are and offering help through other means.

The blog I read early and often - Balloon Juice - created a webpage of links where you can send in aid and make sure things like warm food get to the Ukrainians who need it most. 

World Central Kitchen (on the Ukraine border with Poland)

Leleka Foundation (US group that partners with Ukraine)

National Bank of Ukraine Fund for Ukraine Armed Forces

Tim Snyder: Ways to Help Ukrainians

Kyiv Independent List of How Foreigners Can Help

Carole  Cadwalladr: Ukraine Crisis Media Center

List Recommended by Gin & Tonic

List of Other Ways to Help Ukraine

People need help, always. And not just in Ukraine.

Syria has suffered a decade-long civil war with no end in sight and thousands of Syrians struggling as refugees. They'll need help too.

Afghanistan is struggling under Taliban rule again, and the population are facing famine and lack of resources across the board.

There are several other places in need of aid as well. The www.unhcr.org and rescue.org links should provide more information.

As for all the current news I've heard: Russia refuses to honor any ceasefire deals to help evacuate besieged cities, as their convoys driving into Ukraine are running into supply and logistics nightmares. There's been social media buzz that any day now the invasion force will run dry, but I'll believe it when that actually happens.

In the meantime, go fuck yourself Putin. #PutinIsAWarCriminal