by David Kirichenko
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David Kirichenko is a freelance journalist and an editor at Euromaidan Press, an online English language media outlet in Ukraine. Ever since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, David has volunteered to help Ukrainian refugees on the ground in Mexico, Romania, the United States, and Ukraine. He volunteered with the Dnipro-based organization Dobra Sprava in Donbas and continues to work with the organization to buy supplies for Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines. Most recently, they were able to fundraise and buy a generator and a few starlinks for soldiers in urgent need of these supplies. David can be found on Twitter @DVKirichenko. |
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As Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, extending its eight-year-long war, and images of the devastation began to flood my television screen, I could no longer remain a passive observer from the safety of my home. The crisis called for action, and I knew I had to answer that call.
In my quest to find a way to help, I contacted various volunteer channels. It was then that I received a message from Suhail Mirza. He mentioned that a friend of a friend had a sister who was aiding Ukrainian refugees in Romania. Suhail generously provided me with their contact information, as they urgently needed a Ukrainian language translator, with more refugees pouring into the country every day. The serendipitous online connection with Suhail and his contact’s sister was the catalyst that set me on my journey to help.
I had a phone call with Evodia Asaveti, who, together with her husband, converted a local church that they run into a shelter for refugees. After hearing their needs, without hesitation, I purchased my ticket. I let Suhail know that I had just bought a ticket, and he immediately insisted on joining. However, he has been a Canadian living in Seattle for the past eight years. His mother is Palestinian, his father is from Pakistan, and he has no connection to Ukraine. I was beyond bamboozled by his insistence to come to Romania and help the refugees. Together, we embarked on a 33-hour journey to Romania. I knew that my skills and language proficiency could make a difference in the lives of those affected by the war.
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Upon arriving, I was immediately thrown into the thick of it. During the day, I served as the only translator at a shelter for Ukrainian refugees, helping them navigate unfamiliar surroundings and find a place to stay. And at night, I headed to the border to continue translating.
As martial law descended upon the region, refugees fleeing war-torn cities like Kharkiv were forced to make treacherous journeys to reach safety. With roads blocked and a curfew in place, many were left stranded, parking their cars on the side of the road and braving the cold by sleeping in the open, waiting for the chance to move on. Gas stations ran low on supplies, and some were forced to abandon their vehicles and continue on foot. Women and children were particularly vulnerable, with many suffering from dehydration and other ailments as they pushed toward the border.
The memories of my time volunteering on the Romanian border with Ukraine are vivid and indelible; the piercing screams of children, still haunted by the echoes of bombs. Firsthand accounts from children telling me about watching their grandparents bleed out as they were too slow to reach a bomb shelter once the bombs started falling. The sight of individuals so traumatized that they were unable to speak.
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In the face of such devastation, all I could offer was a comforting embrace and a sense of peace amidst the turmoil. I walked tent to tent, offering a listening ear and a warm embrace to the families who were sleeping in tents on the border. Their relief at being greeted by someone who spoke their language and welcomed them with open arms was palpable. The refugees were also pleasantly surprised by Suhail's presence at the shelter, who had come to help even though he had no connection to Ukraine. He bonded with each individual and shared many beautiful moments with them. This included members of my own family that had fled from Kyiv. Together with the local Romanians, we provided a sense of community and belonging amidst the turmoil.
As my time volunteering at the shelter drew close, I knew I would eventually have to leave. But I wanted to ensure that the refugees continued to have access to a translator, so I reached out to the Ukrainian football community on Twitter. That's when I met Genani, a half-Ukrainian and half-Brazilian man who spoke fluent Russian. Despite having yet to meet in person or interact directly, Genani immediately stepped up to the challenge. After nearly 30 hours of travel to Romania, he took on the role of the primary translator at the shelter, tirelessly assisting refugees in their time of need.
The impact of the English-speaking community of Ukrainian football fans
One of the most incredible things about the internet is its power to connect people from all corners of the world and bring them together in dedicated communities. This was especially evident in the community of English-speaking Ukrainian football fans on Twitter, which consists of members from Australia, Europe, and North America. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, these community members were able to make a real difference by coming together to offer support and assistance. It's a testament to the power of technology to bring us together in times of crisis.
Ukrainian football is only popular and well-known in Ukraine. Western pundits only tend to pay attention to Ukrainian football when a Ukrainian club is competing in Europe or when the Ukrainian national team is facing off against a European powerhouse like England. However, there was a lack of resources for Ukrainian football fans living outside of the country to discuss and connect over their shared passion.
The Ukrainian football community on Twitter has grown significantly recently and now boasts a dedicated group of members of a few dozen people who actively collaborate. One key figure in this community is Andrew Todos, a Ukrainian football journalist based in the UK. He started a blog and Twitter account, "Zorya Londonsk," which serves as a central hub for information about Ukrainian football, including transfer news, match analysis, and major updates. Andrew also hosts podcasts about Ukrainian football and has amassed over 10,000 followers on Twitter. His reporting is widely relied upon by the Ukrainian football community on Twitter.
I joined this football community with a passion for the sport but soon discovered that our impact extended beyond the field. Thanks to connections like Genani, we could unite and support Ukraine's cause. Our community also helped amplify our message and fundraising efforts. Though our contribution may be small, such as translating for Ukrainian families, it has meant the world to these people to have someone travel around the world to help them and welcome them with open arms. The refugees would often cry once they were so well received by our fellow volunteers and the Romanian locals hosting them.
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I learned that the Ukrainian diaspora from all walks of life and various nations are committed to the fight against Russian aggression. These individuals understand that they can play a small but essential role in helping their fellow people.
For some of the folks in this community, the opportunity to band together and discuss everything relating to Ukrainian football and politics provides camaraderie. It also gives hope to passionate fans that Ukrainian football won’t die despite the war, and they can cling to what pieces remain. Through close collaboration with this community, I can also draw input from these individuals and use it to inform my journalism work.
Ukrainian football has survived despite facing tremendous challenges during Russia's initial invasion in 2014. However, as the full-scale invasion continues and the war drags on, it's becoming increasingly clear that more clubs will collapse and youth development will suffer. It's a bleak prospect for Ukrainian football, but the community remains hopeful that, much like the Ukrainian national anthem, their football glory will not perish. They believe that, just like the Ukrainian nation, Ukrainian football will emerge stronger than ever once the country triumphs over Russia.
This is but one illustration of the rich tapestry of micro-communities that thrive on the internet, regardless of how specialized the topic may be. The Ukrainian online community is replete with numerous small yet thriving groups, each with its own distinct mission and valuable contributions to the larger cause. Despite being virtual, these micro-communities remain steadfast in their efforts to support Ukraine and its people during the country's most critical hour of need. They are a testament to the power of community and the impact that can be made when individuals come together for a common goal.
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Concluding thoughts
As the world watches Russia's ruthless trampling of Ukraine's sovereignty, the words of Taras Shevchenko's poetry resonate with a haunting relevance. Shevchenko, a former serf with a deep understanding of the plight of the enslaved, wrote of the universal human desire for freedom from oppression. He believed that freedom was the most fundamental value of all and that it should be the uniting principle for people, regardless of ethnicity or religion. His powerful message still resonates today, igniting the Ukrainian spirit as the people continue to fight for their freedom with unwavering determination.
A piece from Shevchenko's poem "My Testament"
Oh bury me, then rise ye up
And break your heavy chains
And water with the tyrants' blood
The freedom you have gained.
And in the great new family,
The family of the free,
With softly spoken, kindly word
Remember also me.
How you can help: If you want to donate to support Ukrainian defenders with protective gear and life-saving equipment, please continue donating to Ukraine Aid Ops.