2nd Anniversary of Loss and Destruction
As we sadly commemorate, the 2nd Anniversary of the Invasion, we are reminded of the devastating impact of war on countless lives. But amidst the chaos, there is hope – hope fueled by compassionate action. On this solemn anniversary, your donation can provide critical aid to those affected by conflict. Every contribution helps save lives.
As we write to you Ukraine will soon reach a solemn milestone, the second anniversary of the Russians invasion. The once unfaltering hope has begun to diminish as they continue to suffer the horrendous consequences of war. The recent wave of attacks, are all too familiar to Ukrainians, are the consequences. Attempts to ‘freeze the country into submission’ are ratcheting up the urgent need for life-saving humanitarian aid.
In front-line towns and villages, people have exhausted their meager resources and rely on aid to survive, families shelter in damaged houses with no piped water, gas or electricity. Constant bombardments force people to spend their days in basements. Children cannot play outside, let alone attend school.
The people of Ukraine cannot wait. Together we must ensure they are not forgotten. Together we must ensure that support continues until Ukraine is no longer under siege and refugees have built new and sustainable lives, leaving behind the legacy of war.
As a concerned individual, community activist, global philanthropist, corporate or foundation decision maker or volunteer, you are a member of the community of changemakers. We are all called upon to once again to return hope to the people surviving this devastation. No action is insignificant. No donation is too small.
Story
Boots on the ground
The story that follows offers a dire first-hand account of the realities of war, the rapid deterioration of living conditions, and the erosion of hope in just one month. It is Nicole Elloitt’s story, Director, Critical and Emergency Response, at iMiracleProject. The non-profit is dedicated to alleviating suffering in the lives of vulnerable, displaced individuals, and refugees. We achieve this by delivering critical medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and providing compassionate refugee support services.
Our unwavering commitment is to offer hope, healing, and essential assistance to those in need, with 100% of our resources focused on Ukraine. We are unique in that we are 100% staffed by volunteers, motivated by a common desire to aid in all and any capacity, many raised in Ukraine and the surrounding regions and some having family still residing there.
While conditions deteriorate, Nicole still carries out her responsibilities, coordinating service delivery in-country. She doesn’t speak about her experiences with the war but is a willing participant when asked. We have learned from Nicole and others how brave, loyal and determined the people of the country are.
“Last week there was another major attack on Kyiv. Missiles flew from all directions, and it was extremely loud in the early hours of the morning. Not far from where I live a ballistic missile (which is believed to be a North Korean one) ended up falling in the forest and created a huge crater. Luckily it didn’t end up hitting any buildings. There weren’t any deaths but lots of houses were damaged in the area from when missiles were shot down.”
— February 2024
She further clarifies: “Ukraine retreated from Avdiivka a few days ago and Russia is using that momentum to try and overtake other towns.”
Her sense of safety has been dwindling significantly and she is deeply concerned about actions Russia might take on the 2nd anniversary of the invasion. It is also clear that the frustration with the impeded U.S. funds previously expressed is now viewed as a significant factor in the war’s outcome: “You can imagine, everyone is more on edge now with the 24th coming up and the lack of support militarily coming from the US especially.”
Nicole is right and more Americans need to help focus attention on our failure of support. Ultimately the outcome of this war is dependent upon meaningful financial and military support from the United States and NATO members that has not been forthcoming.
Last month, as air attacks escalated, Nicole indicated that: “I feel as safe as I can feel even with the bombings. It obviously is scary being woken up by explosions. But we trust our air defense. This is the most important point she stresses.
This has always been an unbalanced conflict. But before his winter, the world witnessed how this trust cannot be shaken. We have watched with disbelief and wonder as Ukraine has not just survived. It has often been more than able to hold off Russian domination and gained a footing in key Russian stronghold.
Nicole expressed the resolve of her country: ”Ukrainians are determined to win this war no matter what it takes. They will fight to the end, with only one person to remain free.”
We know, as of yesterday that the war ‘was at her door.’
“Last week there was another major attack on Kyiv. Missiles flew from all directions, and it was extremely loud in the early hours of the morning. Not far from where I live a ballistic missile (which is believed to be a North Korean one) ended up falling in the forest and created a huge crater. Luckily it didn’t end up hitting any buildings. There weren’t any deaths but lots of houses were damaged in the area from when missiles were shot down.”
It is difficult to gauge Russia’s changing strategies, from destroying infrastructure, to targeting homes and civilians. Analysts believe Russia is emboldened by the lack of foreign aid and that this escalation represents its belief that it never will.
“Not far from where I live a ballistic missile (which is believed to be a North Korean one) ended up falling in the forest and created a huge crater.”
– Nicole Elliott
“Ukraine retreated from Avdiivka a few days ago and Russia is using that momentum to try and overtake other towns.”
— Nicole Elliott
We cannot allow this conflict to be a forgotten war.
Despite the vast network of media outlets, coverage on the status of the invasion has been progressively more difficult to find. Our country’s legacy of intolerance of global conflict that results in dissemination of a country and its people cannot be destroyed.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C) addressed the consequences of abandoning Ukraine: “Why am I so focused on this vote? Because I don’t want to be on the pages of history that we will regret. If we walk away, you will see the alliance that is supporting Ukraine crumble. Let this chamber stand with the Free world.”