Russia and Ukraine have been in a situation where the invasion could occur at any time since last year. On February 24, 2022, Russia's invasion of Ukraine finally began. Military facilities on the outskirts of the capital Kyiv were attacked by cruise missiles, and attacks were carried out at Kramatorsk, the base of the Ukrainian army, Borispil on the outskirts of the capital Kyiv, and military facilities in the south, and many are still being attacked. People are living uneasy days.
The situation in Ukraine and Russia is changing every moment, and it is often unclear. But it is certain that people in Ukraine now need help. In this article, I would like to summarize what we, as individuals and companies in Japan, can do.
As well as gathering the right information, it is important to have a good understanding of why Ukraine and Russia have become this situation. Of course, the war that is happening now should not be forgiven. However, it is dangerous to unilaterally view "Russia = evil" without knowing the background. Knowing the historical transition that Russia has taken to this day will reduce radical remarks on the Internet and lead to a more peaceful solution.
In the sixth video of "Knowing Appropriate Information" mentioned above, Tele East BIZ's video, there is also a video that captures the situation this time from the perspective of the Russian side, based on various references. It is important to grasp one thing from various perspectives, not just the biased opinions from Europe and the United States.
Many organizations are already soliciting donations. However, in some cases, your donation may lead to military support and indirectly contribute to the war. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the websites of organizations that are considering donating, check the intended use, etc., and then donate to an organization that you are satisfied with.
There is also a signing activity to convey that the whole world is with the Ukrainian people, and on this site called Avaaz, you can easily sign by entering your email address and name. Why don't you join us as an action that you can do right away?
While demonstrations against Russia's military invasion are being held in various countries around the world, such as London and Paris, on the afternoon of February 26, Ukrainian and Russian people living in Japan also demonstrated in Tokyo.
Participating in these demonstrations is one way, but people who have difficulty attending can also speak out on the Internet. Looking over SNS, many people speak using hashtags such as "#I oppose any war" and "#NoWar". Isn't it important to know the facts and share your thoughts and feelings when you see them?
Wearing blue or yellow, which is the color of the Ukrainian flag, is also a way to appeal for peace. It might be a good idea to buy these two-colored flowers and decorate them at home.
It is important to express your feelings by raising your voice and expressing your intentions. But at the same time, raising a voice also requires courage and effort. Forcing some people to gather information or raise their voices at the expense of their broken hearts can make it even more painful.
First of all, be kind to yourself. Then, feel the value of today's day, peace, and life, and spend time while cherishing important people in front of you, such as family, friends, and colleagues. Expanding a peaceful world from our surroundings may also help protect those who are suffering from war.
So far, I have introduced what you can do individually, but by working as a company, you may be able to make a bigger impact. How are companies around the world working against conflicts now?
Verizon Communications, a major telecommunications operator headquartered in New York, USA, has announced that it will be exempt from calling charges to Ukraine from February 25 to March 10, 2022. The idea is that customers need to stay connected with their loved ones in Ukraine during difficult times.
Also, major US mobile service AT & T will make free and unlimited long-distance calls from the US to Ukraine from February 26th to March 7th, and T Mobile from February 24th to March 3rd. providing.
SpaceX, which was founded by Tesla founder Elon Musk and provides high-speed, low-latency broadband Internet around the world, also announced that it has started offering the satellite Internet service Starlink (* 1).
Despite the phrase "history is made by winners," Berlin-based blockchain startup Arweave has tampered with information in all digital media, including important news articles, documents, videos, and social media posts. , The facts are recorded on the blockchain so that history will not be twisted.
Despite the fact that only 100,000 uploads were made a week ago, networks around the world have already uploaded more than 6.5 million pieces of information to software in just a few weeks, and now more than 50 terabytes of data. It is said that it protects (* 2).
On February 25, a new initiative was launched to raise funds to support Ukraine using NFTs. The organization was founded in 2011 by Russian feminist rock group Pussy Riot, NFT curated Trippy Labs, DeFi and NFT officials Pleasr DAO.
“Our goal is to raise money to donate to a Ukrainian citizenship that helps Putin's war-affected people in Ukraine.” (From Pussy Riot's twitter).
Airbnb.org has announced that it will accept 100,000 refugees from Ukraine. We want Airbnb hosts to offer accommodation for free or at a discounted price. In that case, the service fee will be exempted for both the staying side and the host side. We also accept donation-only support.
The Small and Medium Business Administration has set up a consultation desk to support small and medium-sized enterprises and small businesses affected by the situation in Ukraine and soaring crude oil prices. In addition, we are providing financial support to businesses facing difficult situations.
Even in Yokohama City, for small and medium-sized enterprises in the city that are or may be affected by the situation in Ukraine, the Economic Affairs Bureau Finance Division, Yokohama Corporate Management Support Foundation (IDEC Yokohama) and Yokohama City Credit Guarantee Association Established "Special Management Consultation Counter". We accept consultations on cash flow and management.
As a measure to support Ukraine, Rakuten is working to provide free voice calls to landlines and mobile phones with "Viber" so that people can communicate with their families in Ukraine (* 3). On February 27, Rakuten Group Chairman and President Hiroshi Mikitani also announced on his own Twitter account that he would donate 1 billion yen to Ukraine.
Yamachiku, who has been making tools that "close to life," sells chopsticks that donate all of the sales for peace in Ukraine. "Our life is based on peace. Therefore, wishing for peace and making efforts to realize it is the most basic mission as a business person." The proceeds will be donated through the "Embassy of Ukraine in Japan".
* 150 sets are sold out in 2 hours from the start of sales. It is said that it will be donated by adding a donation from Yamachiku to the sales of 150,000 yen.
Television and the Internet show daily footage of destroyed cities, battles, and Ukrainian people fleeing to neighboring countries. Many people are wondering what they can do after seeing the tragedy. However, at the same time, I feel that many people are sick. Japan once experienced a terrible war and also experienced an accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Imagine that the situation is particularly unbearable for those who know the horror of nuclear weapons.
As mentioned in this article, there are many things that individuals and businesses can do. However, it is not always necessary to take such an action. When you have a hard time, protect your own health by talking to someone who can share your feelings with peace of mind, such as family, friends, and people who are connected via SNS, or by taking a step away from information. Is also important.
Uneasy days will continue. But first, take good care of yourself and the people around you, and start with what you can do little by little. I hope that the beautiful sky will return to Ukraine as soon as possible, like the blue sky that spreads in Japan with the arrival of spring.
* 1 Musk Activates Starlink Satellites in Response to Ukraine Plea * 2 A Blockchain-Based Noah's Ark Is Being Used To Preserve A Record Of The Ukraine Conflict * 3 Rakuten develops support measures for Ukraine with its own "Viber" Mr. Mikitani "Really My heart hurts. "
Livhub, another media of Harch Co., Ltd., which manages IDEAS FOR GOOD, has published a column "Imagine the peaceful everyday scenery of Ukraine now." If you like, please read that as well.
[Reference site] 9 Meaningful Ways You Can Help Ukraine [Reference site] RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: INFO AND WAYS TO HELP [Related article] The Embassy of Ukraine in Japan announces the donation destination on Twitter. "Thank you for the reception in Japanese yen" "Useful for peace" Good intentions one after another
Tagged with: Blockchain, Ukraine, Social Good, Donations, Refugee Issues, Refugee Assistance, Russia, Conflicts, Refugee Issues x Donations, Conflicts x Donations, Socia Good