| | | We Ukrainians are dying to defend democracy. I expect to be called to fight soon so I wanted to use this sad anniversary to tell you that our hope for the future is fading. We're tired and we're terrified. We can stand up to Putin's war machine, but he's on the verge of winning by utterly destroying our economy. So it's beyond game-changing that G7 leaders are discussing using $300 billion in frozen assets from Russia's central bank to fund Ukraine's future. They're meeting about this right now so sign to tell them Ukraine needs their help! | | | | | Dear friends, | | My name is Olexander*, from Ukraine. I expect to be drafted into the military soon. Today I'm writing to share both pain and hope.
We are exhausted. We fear we're losing international attention, that people are tired of news about our war. At the same time, we know that what started in Ukraine will continue in the rest of Europe.
And that includes economic warfare. The cost of rebuilding Ukraine is already close to half a trillion dollars and rising every day. Who will pay that? Ukraine can't, not ever. The people of Europe? US taxpayers? Putin's hoping the debt drags us all down.
But what if Vladimir Putin paid his own bill?
$300 billion in frozen Russian state funds are just sitting in banks in the West. The G7 is meeting right now, discussing using it to give Ukraine a future.
That money would change everything for us. But Germany, France and Italy are dragging their feet. So please, join with me to call on European leaders to do the right thing. Sign now! | | | | | We in Ukraine are dying because Putin decided that we cannot, should not exist as a separate nation. That's what he said in his speech on the eve of the invasion.
Nobody should be denied their right to exist. It is so profoundly wrong. Ukraine is fighting because we believe our freedom, our existence is worth dying for.
It's also worth paying for.
But while we give our lives, there's nobody to cover half a trillion dollars of recovery costs. That doesn't leave Ukraine many choices to avoid catastrophic economic ruin. Fall to Russia, or lean on taxpayers in Europe and the US. This frozen money is a third way.
But the plan only works if all the major powers are on board. So please join me and together we'll call on the leaders of Germany, France, and Italy to seize this chance to fund Ukraine's future! | | | | We don't always know if our voices are heard, or whether they matter to anyone outside of Ukraine. But Avaazers across the world have supported us since the first day of the invasion, donating to help those wounded, advocating for prosecuting Putin, and helping make it more difficult for Russia to earn money from its oil. Today you can stand with us again! Will you help us find our hope?
With unwavering determination,
Olexander, with the whole Avaaz team
*We changed Olexander's name to help protect his identity in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. | | | | | | |
