You don't have to pull out your wallet just to offer help to Ukrainians. "Ask your Ukrainian colleague how he or she is doing," says Thea Hilhorst, professor of Humanitarian Studies in Dutch newspaper Trouw. "Expressions of solidarity are incredibly important."
Show your solidarity
"Talk to Ukrainians on social media. Go to a demonstration. Ask your Ukrainian colleague how he or she is doing. Speak out. That is greatly appreciated. That they notice that people are showing solidarity with them. It is comforting."
Do not forget Russian acquaintances
''Don't think only of the Ukrainians. Talk to your Russian colleague too. There is shame, anger, sadness and fear. The Russian people did not ask for this," continues Professor Hilhorst. "And ask your Georgian colleague who knows a similar situation and where the memories are now surfacing." In 2008, Russia invaded Georgia.
It is undoubtedly the question that Dutch people have been walking around with in their heads since the Russian invasion of Ukraine: how can I help Ukraine? "By seeking contact with them and by giving money."
In Trouw, Thea Hilhorst elaborates on the situation with more explanation and advice. (In Dutch)
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