Here’s how you can help the people of Ukraine

On Feb. 24, it will be one year since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, thrusting Ukrainian President Vlodomyr Zelenskyy into the global spotlight as a David battling the Russian Goliath.

Many world leaders warned the invasion could lead to the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. Now that winter has set in, Ukraine is battling Russia on multiple fronts, is beset by power and utility outages and has not yet been given full NATO status, nor can it join the European Union.

Ukraine continues to appeal to global leaders for defense assistance and funds.

According to the U.N. refugee agency USA for UNHCR, nearly 8 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighboring countries and across Europe.

Here are a few ways to help:

USA for UNHCR

What they do: The agency provides emergency supplies, lifesaving care and protection for families who must flee for their lives. It also provides cash assistance to individuals and families.

What you can do: UNHCR manages multiple emergencies at the same time around the world. To help Ukraine, visit: give.unrefugees.org/220224ukr_emer_d_4983

Ukrainian Association of Washington

What they do: UAWS leads cultural and education initiatives to promote Ukraine in Washington state. The group is organizing events and fundraisers to bring attention to the Ukraine crisis.

What you can do: The group is collecting monetary donations to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine. For more information, visit: uaws.org.

International Committee of the Red Cross

What they do: ICRC and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society provide mental health and educational services, food initiatives and infrastructure repair.

What you can do: Monetary donations help hospitals, schools and community centers, and engineers and doctors as they address the war’s physical and emotional toll. Donate on the ICRC website: icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine

UNICEF

What they do: UNICEF is in Ukraine ensuring children have access to safe water, nutrition, health care, education and protection. The organization’s mobile teams also provide psychosocial services.

What you can do: You can make a donation at: unicefusa.org/HelpUkraine.

Material from The Associated Press is included in this report.