03 March 2022

As the devastating refugee and humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine escalates daily international governments, organisations and individuals have condemned Russia’s actions and issued sanctions. Co-operative peak bodies around the world have also joined the calls for peace.

As one of the countries with the highest concentrations of co-operatives, the Ukraine is an important part of the international co-operative community. Even as the invasion began, Ukrainian co-ops remained committed to serving their communities.

In response to the crisis, co-operatives and mutuals around the world are stepping up to support Ukrainians, whether through monetary donations or by offering practical assistance, such as the Italian housing co-operatives who are providing housing for refugees. Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions has launched the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund to support Ukrainian credit unions. The fund will help to mitigate both short- and long-term impacts to Ukraine’s credit union system and those who look to it for support, including both employees and members.

Ukrainian co-operators Iryna Volovyk and Sofia Burtak have shared their experiences in an interview with Sara Vicari from aroundtheworld.coop and issued a call to action for co-operation amidst co-operatives.

We are supporting our Ukrainian colleagues and working towards peace by sharing these links and donation portals. You can support Ukrainian mutuals by donating today to the Ukranian Credit Union Development Fund.

Update

The sector is continuing to serve members and communities – and is providing food kits for displaced people and the military. Read Ukrainian war: Consumer co-ops report from the frontline (Co-op News, 9 March 2022).