Remembering the Flowers: A Personal Call to Action for Ukraine

In October 2024, I traveled east of Kharkiv to the frontlines. As the city faded behind me and the bombed-out villages receded, all that remained were the bare fields of sunflowers. The headless stems stood tilted in different directions, reminiscent of a vast cemetery. And yet, this desolate landscape was illuminated by the occasional blooming flower that sprouted after the reaper had taken its harvest.

I keep thinking about flowers on the battlefields as I think about Ukraine. Ukraine has forged its identity through centuries of attempts by larger powers to erase it. And yet, it has always regenerated itself in one form or another. Borderland places have deep roots, nourished by multiple histories, strengthening their sense of self and enriching their culture.

My Ukraine Fundraiser

Still, it’s hard to avoid feeling despair and anger given the current situation. I’m channeling my energy into preparing for my trip to Ukraine and my fundraiser for Kyiv’s Children Art School. The school works with children traumatized by war and provides them with free art classes and a safe space. The money donated is converted into art supplies that children can use right away to learn new skills and heal.

If you’re interested in helping, your donation will be much appreciated. To Donate in USD. To Donate in EUR. If you’re interested to participate in my seminar on Ukrainian perfumery broadcast from Ukraine on March 14th, via Zoom, 12pm EST, the proceeds will go to the art school. To Join Seminar.

You can follow updates about my Ukrainian trip and fundraiser via my Instagram: @boisdejasmin

In the meantime, there are other ways in which you can help Ukraine.

Donate to a cause that speaks to you.

• • • Harvard University has compiled a particularly comprehensive list: Lists of places to donate and ways to help.
    • Ukraine Institute London also has an excellent list: What can you do to support Ukraine & Ukrainians?
    • Comprehensive list of ways foreigners can help
    • Bake for Ukraine

  — an organization that secures the local food supply by supporting local bakeries and farmers mainly in the zones most affected by the war.

  • • Razom for Ukraine

  –they respond to the war by providing critical humanitarian war relief and recovery depending on the most urgent needs. They have detailed lists on their website of what they are focused on delivering, including tactical medicine items, hospital supplies, etc.

  • • United Ukrainian American Relief Committee
    • The Kyiv Independent

  –support the independent Ukrainian English-language journalism.

  • The Ukrainian Museum in New York City
  • The Ukrainian Institute
  • Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University

Communicate your support for Ukraine to your political leaders. This makes a major difference.

• Contact your congressional representatives (see example message here)

Take part in a local action

• Rallies around the world

Learn about Ukraine and its culture.

There are many reading lists online, and I will add my own later. The list by the historian Serhii Plokhy is very good: Five Books.

My book The Rooster House is not about the current war, but it explains the context in which it takes place. I also recommend this podcast to learn about Ukraine and its identity: The Ukrainian identity (with Lydia Tomkiw)

• • Twitter accounts to follow – scholars: @channelljustice, @SPlokhy, @Oleh_kotsyuba  @dobczansky, @ksvarnon, @OKhromeychuk, @OxanaShevel, @darelasn, @JesZychowicz, @HJColeman68, @tanyalokot, @oonuch, @UmlandAndreas, @ykomska, @Marusiasays, @steven_seegel, @JohnVsetecka
  • Twitter and Instagram accounts to follow – art:  @ukr_arthistory, @honchar.museum @pyrohiv.museum
  • Instagram accounts – crafts, cuisine: @vydymonevydymo @klopotenko, @olia.hercules
  • There are many other accounts, of course. I’m mentioning my personal favorites and I will be adding more to the list over time.

In Conclusion

I urge you to notice beauty. Beauty in the moment. Beauty in nature. Beauty that cannot be erased or destroyed. That kind of beauty exists within us, too. Some call divine, others natural. Being mindful of it—through whatever channels speak to you, whether art, books, writing, cooking, perfume, or gardening—makes you remarkably resilient.

That’s why I will always remember the flowers on the frontlines—and never give up hope.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin, from the frontlines.