Supporting Ukraine through Consumer Power: Initiatives to Keep the Economy Afloat In light of the Russian invasion, Ukrainian creatives aim to utilize consumer power to maintain their country’s economy. Brands and artists have launched several initiatives such as Spend With Ukraine, linking consumers to Ukrainian-based businesses in various industries, and the Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund, allowing people to donate stipends to artists.
According to Spend With Ukraine’s founders, Yaroslav Azhnyuk and Andrey Klen, “economies win wars,” and they hope to spread the message of supporting the Ukrainian economy through purchasing decisions. Brands like Anna October, who donate 30% of each sale to the Children’s Emergency Fund, contribute to the cause. Klen emphasizes the importance of sustaining consumer interest in supporting Ukraine. He says, “investments definitely help with life going on, and we want to see an increase in demand.” The simplicity and logic behind the initiative has caught the attention of global media and influencers, and the founders aim to continue scaling the program with additional support.
