100 days into the War on Ukraine.

Russia has invaded.

 That cold feeling is still so familiar to me, as if it were yesterday. As all of the images and videos began surfacing across social media platforms of hellfire, I felt helpless seeing my dear home getting bombarded by enemy airstrikes. A full-scale invasion broke out inside of the Ukrainian border, including major cities. In the wake of unprecedented military aggression from the Russian Federation, millions of people around the world were left in utter shock, disbelief, disgust, and despair. How could such injustice even be possible in 2022?

A total breach of human rights, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine constitutes the biggest threat to peace and security in Europe since the end of the Cold War. Today, the world is rooting for Ukraine to win; but in war, no one ever truly wins as the death toll continues to grow daily.

As of this time, fighting has caused nearly three thousand civilian deaths and internally displaced more than seven million people, according to the United Nations. The conflict has forced another five million Ukrainians to flee to neighboring countries, the majority of whom have arrived in Poland, a NATO country where the United States and other allies are accommodating the influx of refugees. Families are being ripped apart. Women, children, and the elderly are forced to leave their loved ones, homes, and all their possessions behind.

Men and women have stayed behind to fight for their land, including brave Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who were given guns and quickly trained to protect themselves. These incredible efforts have contributed to Ukraine winning back and defending some of its key cities from Russian control, while exhausting the opposition immensely. These warriors are a testament that the spirit of the Ukrainian people is something that cannot be broken. 

The fashion industry has stepped up as well. When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, in the middle of Milan Fashion Week, many designers and brands immediately began donating large sums to various charities. International models and activists publicly spoke out against Russia and began to champion the humanitarian efforts by partnering with organizations to offer relief funds.

International brands and luxury fashion conglomerates, including LVMH, Kering, Prada, Hermès and H&M, announced they were stopping commercial activities and shutting their stores down in Russia as a sign of protest against the war on Ukraine. Gigi Hadid even donated her Fall 2022 fashion week earnings to aid in Ukraine. Financial assistance continues to serve a major form of defense.

A notable designer I’d like to highlight throughout this period would be Marc Jacobs. Under LVMH, since the beginning of the invasion, Marc Jacobs has joined in donating to support the International Committee of the Red Cross to help the direct and indirect victims of this conflict.

 As a boy born in the western part of the country in a town of Ternopil, I immediately thought of ways I could contribute as well. I teamed up with ERROR NYC, along with other various artists around the city, to collaborate on projects that raised awareness and financial contributions. I also attended and hosted various charity events and initiatives throughout my birthday month to raise donations.

Ukraine is my home. My first memories as a child recalled this scenic place to be boundless and magical. Anyone that has spent time in Kiev will tell you that it is truly one of the most beautiful places in all of Europe. It breaks my heart to see this magnificent place lay in ruins and rubble. My mission is to further champion the rebuilding and rehabilitation phase of the country, and to restore Ukraine to its previous glory and beyond.

Credits –
Talent: Taras Romanov
Photographer: Gabe Araujo
Producer: Louie Diaz
Designer: Marc Jacobs