Calgarian Paul Hughes shares his harrowing experiences and observations of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, particularly in the city of Kharkiv, as he continues to provide aid through his charity.
Paul Hughes, a Calgary native, is in Ukraine delivering humanitarian aid as part of his grassroots charity, H.U.G.S. (Helping Ukraine Grassroots Support). In a recent interview with Global News, he expressed the overwhelming suffering he has witnessed over the four years since the onset of the war initiated by Russia. Hughes described a stark transformation in cities like Kharkiv, where the population has drastically decreased from 1.5 million to around 600,000, alongside significant numbers of internally displaced persons.
The situation in Ukraine, particularly in eastern regions, remains dire according to Hughes, who reported hearing air raid sirens and the constant threat of violence. He explained how civilians went to sleep unaware of the drastic changes that were about to unfold following the Russian invasion, emphasizing the prolonged nature of their suffering. His firsthand accounts reveal the destructive impact of the conflict on communities, highlighting the urgent need for continued humanitarian assistance.
Hughes identifies himself as a pacifist, yet feels compelled to take action against the aggressions faced by the Ukrainian people, a sentiment that resonates with many individuals in Canada who wish to support the war-torn nation. Through his charity work, he aims to alleviate some of the distress faced by those affected by the war, demonstrating a commitment not just to witness suffering but also to actively combat it by providing humanitarian support in tangible ways.
