Exactly one year ago, on 24 February 2022, Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine. The invasion, which violates international law, has since claimed many victims.

For the first time in decades, Europe has since been the scene of a war between sovereign states – even today, Russia’s onslaught continues with increasing ferocity and destruction. According to the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), more than 13 million Ukrainians have left their country since the outbreak of war, over six million of them have fled to neighbouring European countries. The images from Ukraine and the huge suffering of the civilian population continue to affect us all.

Borussia Dortmund has not only unequivocally condemned this act of aggression. From the very first moment, BVB has deemed it a matter of utmost importance to offer help in whatever way possible. The entire Black & Yellow family, as well as several partner organisations, have worked together to organise a series of programmes to support people affected by the war over the course of the past year. Here is an overview.

Dortmund Aid Alliance: 160 tonnes of support for Ukraine (March 2022) 

Together with the BVB fan and support department, Fan-Projekt Dortmund e.V., the fanzine schwatzgelb.de and the Südtribüne Dortmund alliance, Borussia Dortmund launched a large-scale fundraising campaign. Among other things, the BVB first team, club members, fans and employees contributed to a joint fundraising campaign which, together with the partner organisations Libereco and Vostok SOS, helped to deliver 160 tonnes of medical supplies to Ukraine. Part of the total amount raised was used for the bulk purchase of medical supplies, which were taken directly to Ukraine and put to use by Libereco.

More information on this campaign can be accessed here.

Solidarity with Ukraine – BVB play in special jersey (March 2022)

As a further sign of peace and support for the people of Ukraine, the Borussia Dortmund first team played against Arminia Bielefeld in a jersey featuring the 1&1 logo in blue and yellow. The captain’s armband was also in the Ukrainian national colours – and the jersey was also marked #StandWithUkraine. The net proceeds from the sales of the special jersey in both versions (home and away) were donated to charity.

More information on this campaign can be accessed here.

Benefit match against Dynamo Kyiv (April 2022)

At the end of April last year, BVB and 16-time Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kyiv made a statement for peace with a charity match at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK in Dortmund. The Black & Yellows’ 3-2 defeat on the night was insignificant compared to the other result: the match raised a total of 400,000 euros to support people in need in Ukraine, while 35,000 spectators made their way to the stadium to show their solidarity. “We stand by the Ukrainian people. Together as a BVB family, we have already delivered several tonnes of aid to the country and now we want to raise money,” said BVB chief executive officer Hans-Joachim Watzke.

Ukrainians were able to get free tickets for the match, and all fans were given solidarity bracelets, the proceeds of which were also donated. “Stop War” was displayed on the advertising boards, hoardings, and the Ukrainian national anthem was played before kick-off. An emotional and memorable evening for all involved, which provided a small ray of hope in otherwise gloomy times. 

More information on the benefit match can be accessed here.

Successful aid package action for Ukraine (July 2022)

In close cooperation with the aid and partner organisation Libereco, a large-scale packing campaign for Ukraine was carried out last summer under the west stand of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, in no small part thanks to countless pairs of helping hands. Almost 2,000 people packed boxes with food and materials for adults and children, more than 100 helpers over two days and a lot of dedication and commitment – that was the result of the campaign in aid of people in need in Ukraine.

More information on this campaign can be accessed here.

Dortmund aid packages reach Ukraine (November 2022)

After a long journey, a large number of the aid packages packed in July reached some of the regions affected by the war. Specifically, the humanitarian aid launched by Libereco and BVB was distributed to people in Kharkiv Oblast, Vinnytsia Oblast, Cherkassy Oblast and Mykolayiv Oblast.

More information on this campaign can be accessed here.

Our partner organisation Libereco continues to collect donations for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. The ongoing fundraising campaign can be supported by following this link.