In February 2022, the war in Ukraine shocked the world. News brands in the UK were quick to match their first class reporting of events with campaigning journalism.
Echoing their readers’ concerns about the millions of Ukrainians in danger and the thousands fleeing their homes, publishers set up campaigns to raise money and awareness for those who desperately need it. Backed by both Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday’s Ukraine appeal raised £1.25 million in its first three days and £10 million by early April.
The i set up its own Ukraine appeal working with the Disaster Emergency Committee, a partnership of 15 charities working on the ground in Ukraine to help.
Meanwhile, the Sun set up an Ukraine Fund backed by the prime minister and other notable figures. The news brand has also been working with the Red Cross both inside Ukraine and in neighbouring countries where refugees need urgent attention.
The Evening Standard has been collecting donations for charities working on the ground, launching the campaign alongside the International Red Cross and later adding Save the Children to its beneficiaries. The Independent restarted its Refugees Welcome campaign, calling on the government to set up a resettlement scheme to give Ukrainians fleeing invasion sanctuary in Britain.
The Mirror teamed up with Save the Children’s campaign, while The Express chose to spotlight the charities Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal and British-Ukrainian Aid.
