In the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Cosmopolis founder Anastasia Piliavsky launched a Direct Aid initiative to respond to Ukraine’s most urgent, unmet needs. Based between Cambridge and Odessa, and drawing on her deep personal and professional networks across the country, she coordinated fast, targeted relief to individuals, medics, and volunteer groups in the hardest-hit regions — from Kherson and Kharkiv to Kyiv and Odessa.
International organisations had proven slow, bureaucratic, and largely ineffective in reaching civilians inside Ukraine. With truckloads of aid stuck at borders or in depots, Anastasia began wiring funds directly — and instantly — to verified individuals and groups on the ground. Each recipient was vetted through direct contact, including video calls and local referrals. Funds were sent via Wise and Paysend, typically within seconds.
Over 2022 and 2023, the initiative distributed more than $1 million USD in direct assistance. Individuals and families received modest, needs-based transfers — $80 for individuals, $150 for families, and $210 for households with three or more children. Volunteer groups received $350–500 depending on the scale and urgency of their work. All money was sent without overheads, delays, or intermediaries.
Ukrainian banking systems remained operational, and local shops and pharmacies accepted cards — so direct cash enabled recipients to buy what they needed most, at the best local prices. It also sustained local economies: farmers sold food, drivers delivered supplies, small businesses stayed open, and volunteers continued their work with dignity and speed.
The aid supported a wide range of needs: formula and nappies for children in Kharkiv shelters, food and power banks for territorial defence volunteers in Mykolaiv, and essential medicine for hospitals in Odessa.
While this initiative is no longer run as intensively as it was in the first year of war, it remains active on a smaller scale. If you wish to contribute, or direct a donation to a specific need — families, volunteers, medicine, refugee children, or the elderly — please write to us at moc.liamg%40silopomsoc.nainiarku.
We continue to believe that direct, fast, dignified aid is one of the most powerful tools we have — not only to relieve suffering, but to keep civic life alive under attack.