U.S. support for Ukraine

How have U.S. citizens supported Ukraine during its war? 

Admission of Ukrainian Refugees 

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. citizens have actively supported relief efforts for refugees and displaced persons. One significant way they've contributed is by admitting over 271,000 Ukrainian refugees since the conflict began, surpassing President Biden's goal of admitting 100,000. Many of these refugees came through the "Uniting for Ukraine" program, where Americans sponsor Ukrainians to ensure their financial support in the U.S. Additionally, more than 200,000 Americans volunteered as sponsors. 

GoFundMe Campaigns 

Americans and organizations raised over $275 million on GoFundMe for humanitarian relief and Ukrainian causes. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher's "Stand With Ukraine" campaign became the second-highest fundraiser in GoFundMe's history, raising more than $37 million. 

World Food Programme 

The U.S. and its allies supported the World Food Programme, which provided ready-to-eat rations, canned goods, bread, wheat, flour, and oil to 3.1 million people in Ukraine. 

Mobile Medical Teams 

U.S.-funded humanitarian organizations operated mobile medical teams, delivering emergency health supplies and medicine to public health care centers. These efforts ensured the continued availability of primary health services, trauma care, and vaccinations  

Schools Across the U.S.

Schools across the U.S. have welcomed Ukrainian students. For instance, St. Nicholas Cathedral School in Chicago's Ukrainian Village neighborhood opened its doors to dozens of students displaced by the war. They've accepted about 75 students last year and an additional 20 this year. The school's community effort includes donated tuition, Amazon wish-list supplies, and additional ESL staff to support these students.

Higher Education Support

The University of Chicago launched a $20 million program that covers tuition for Ukrainian students. Texas A&M University is also providing assistance for tuition and living costs. Hampton University in Virginia invited up to 100 students affected by the war to study for free during the summer.

Language and Adaptation Programs

The Yale Center for Language Study offers courses to prepare Ukrainian refugees for everyday situations in their new setting, including language skills and navigating daily life. In San Antonio, Texas, the North East Independent School District’s Newcomers Program helps refugee and asylum-seeking students acclimate to U.S. education. While most participants are from Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukrainian students have also benefited from this program.

Additional Humanitarian Assistance 

The U.S. allocated over $186 million in humanitarian aid to support internally displaced persons and refugees affected by Russia's war in Ukraine. 

While the U.S. government appears to have done little to bring the war to a close by supporting a peaceful resolution, these collective efforts demonstrate the compassion and solidarity of U.S. citizens in providing relief and support during this crisis.

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/15/2024 

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