As the conflict escalates in Ukraine, many have been left asking, "how can I help?".

Indeed, many have felt utterly powerless looking on at what's going on in cities such as Kyiv and Kharkiv over the last few days.

But even if you're miles away, you can still make a difference to those who need it most.

Here is our guidance on the best way to help the people of Ukraine:

Support charities on the ground:

Disclaimer: Be aware of malicious disinformation and charitable giving scams, and ensure you provide funds to charities working on the ground in Ukraine. Research the charity before parting ways with well-intentioned donations.

Some charities we recommend:

• United Help Ukraine is a Ukraine-based charity that focuses on providing medical supplies, humanitarian aid and raising awareness globally of the conflict. United Help Ukraine is receiving and distributing donations, food and medical supplies to Ukrainian refugees, people of Ukraine affected by the conflict and families of those who were wounded or killed petitioning for the independence of Ukraine.

• Sunflower of Peace is a non-profit organisation with a mission to mobilise support and aid for Ukrainian orphans, internally displaced persons and those most affected by the current situation by providing medical assistance and other necessities. In addition, they have set up a fundraiser to deliver medical supplies to paramedics and doctors working in conflict zones.

• British-Ukrainian Aid supports people suffering from the war and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine by aligning UK and Ukrainian efforts. They offer assistance to vulnerable individuals who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged, including the injured and wounded, orphaned children, the elderly, internally displaced persons and families who have lost their primary earners. They have set up a JustGiving fundraiser "to raise £20,000 towards medical aid".

• The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) provides protection and humanitarian support, including shelter repairs, cash assistance and protection monitoring to support displaced families and other conflict-affected people. Winter relief is also provided for people in need, such as winter clothing and blankets. UNHCR has also provided training for government officials and civil society organisations involved in helping to protect refugees and other displaced families.

• OutRight Action International is supporting LGBTQ+ groups on the ground, who are setting up shelters and providing safety for citizens in Ukraine and surrounding countries. In times like these, LGBTQ+ members are often more vulnerable than usual. OutRight Action International is stepping up to make sure they are protected in this time of crisis. They've set up a fundraiser in which all donations will be directly channelled to the local organisations, providing a sense of security for displaced members of the community.

• Save The Children (STC) has an emergency fund for the children of Ukraine, as children often suffer the most in situations such as these. In addition, STC is: distributing essential humanitarian aid to children and their families, delivering winter and hygiene kits, providing cash grants to families to meet basic needs, providing access to education and working to help children overcome the mental and psychological impacts of conflict.

• The British Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to help civilians in Ukraine. The British Red Cross is helping to provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to people affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Write to your MP:

In the face of such violence, it can be easy to feel powerless here in the UK, but we're not. Never underestimate the power of putting pressure on the UK Government to act. This could be encouraging the government to put further sanctions on Russia or even encouraging local councils to provide shelter and resources for incoming refugees. The Association Of Ukrainians In Great Britain has provided a draft letter to help you get started. You can contact your local MP via email or post to their constituency address. Instructions on how to get in touch with the organisation can be found at parliament.uk.

Support local journalism:

It is essential to support journalists with feet on the ground in Ukraine who cover developments as the conflict unfolds. English-Language news outlets based in the country, such as Kyiv Independent and the New Voice of Ukraine, are working tirelessly to keep us up to date.

You can also follow Ukrainian journalists, including Olga Tokarjuk, Christopher Miller, Nika Melkozaerova and Illia Ponomarenko. Educating yourself on the history and nuances of the crisis from respected sources before speaking about it online will help tackle disinformation.

Join a peace protest:

If you can do so and feel comfortable being in a crowd, joining a peaceful protest is a public way of showing your support for the people of Ukraine and putting pressure on those in powerful positions to help those affected.

Rallies will take place outside Downing Street and outside of the Russian Embassy in the coming days. Find your nearest rally here.

Time to act:

More than 5 million people have been affected since the conflict began with protests against former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in 2013. The armed conflict in eastern Ukraine impacts millions of people living in the eastern Donbas region and other parts of the country. At least 54% of people in need of aid are women and girls, 13% are children, and 13% are people with disabilities. As the conflict escalates, we must work together, take action and support the people suffering in Ukraine.

Don't send "good wishes"; fund trusted charitable organisations providing tangible support where it's needed most.