Hi everyone. Thank you so much for your incredible support. We have not only reached our goal, we’ve surpassed it. This money will make an incredible difference to people wounded by Putin’s war.
As you probably know, the war appears to have entered an even darker phase today, with Putin beginning to deliberately target civilians. Against the backdrop of incredible Ukrainian successes against the odds, reports and videos of the use of thermobaric (vacuum) and cluster bombs are starting to come in, which is deeply concerning. Obviously, these are in contravention of the Geneva convention, but that is of little deterrence. Cities in the East are reporting severe food and supply shortages. A 64km column of tanks, APCs etc is headed for Kiev and Putin’s troops seem to be attempting to cut the eastern cities off from reinforcement. In short, having failed spectacularly to overwhelm Ukraine, he appears to be settling in for a long war.
I am working with a number of people in Ukraine to find suitable partners to supply medicine and medical equipment to those on the ground. I am obviously concerned to ensure your funds reach the right people and go to where they are needed the most right now. I’m also focused on ensuring your money stretches as far as possible, hence not seeking to use an existing international charity which, while doing great work, does incur significant overheads which blunts the impact of contributions.
At this point, I am speaking to representatives of hospitals and various non-profit organisations providing direct medical support to wounded on the ground in Kiev, Odessa and Kharkiv. I am talking to people in all three cities who are sounding increasingly desperate.
I will update you on plans before any funds are distributed.
In addition, you may have seen we have separately started a petition asking the New Zealand government to freeze and, potentially, confiscate the New Zealand assets of Putin’s backers. With the support of some extraordinary friends of Ukraine, that proposal went from initial idea to direct media question to the Prime Minister of New Zealand within 24 hours. It was put to the PM again today and all major NZ news outlets have covered it.
Unfortunately, to date, the only response from the Prime Minister has been: “All options remain on the table”. But we remain hopeful our Government will step up and take decisive action. And in the meantime, the outpouring of support from ordinary New Zealanders for the people of Ukraine has been absolutely overwhelming!
If you would consider signing the petition or sharing it with people you think may wish to support it that would be enormously valuable.
Thank you again for your support. It will mean a great deal to a great many in Ukraine. Please consider sharing the fundraising page and petition with your friends.
Slava Ukraini!
