The ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine is truly awful to watch unfold; like any outbreak of hostilities, it must be considered in context which, in this case, is too complex and political to explore in detail across the usual social media platforms….or indeed in this brief post. 

Having studied the political and economic history of Europe in my uni days, the friction and cleavages in this geography and its people have a lot to do with the failed emergence of nation states across the European elements of the Ottoman Empire during the 2nd half of the 19th century, the subsequent Balkan Wars and the evolution/collapse of the USSR/communist bloc. 

Whilst it is interesting, albeit not pleasantly so, to see this war evolve around elements other than military force in order to reduce the risk of broader triggers/World War (tech, cyber, micro/macro economic tactics/strategy, defensive techniques by nations & alliances etc), there is one thing which is common to previous atrocities/wars……. 

…..THE DISPLACEMENT OF PEOPLE, especially women and children, who are typically torn away from their husbands/fathers/grandparents who must stay under compulsory conscription and/or choose to stay to fight for their country and independence. 

During the last week, nearly 1 million people have migrated across the border which is double the displacement caused by the Kosovo crisis in 1999 and equivalent to flow rates post WW2 as borders were re-drawn etc. Often these people do not know where they are going and when, if ever, they are returning to their homeland - their worldly belongings in one bag to enable light travel over potentially large distances/difficult terrains. Clearly these numbers do not include internal migration or those forced back to Russia against their will. 

Whilst very distressing for all those affected, the initial displacement was predominantly made up of the middle classes however we are now seeing mass migration of working classes who often have no resources or support networks.

As we said goodbye to my children last Sunday, we took a minute to be grateful that they were safe and that we know when we will next see them - not a privilege enjoyed by many fathers or mothers etc left behind in the Ukraine right now. 

Regardless of how small it may feel, Claire and I want to do our bit - we are getting in the car tomorrow and heading to Fort William to climb Ben Nevis on Saturday to raise money for the Ukrainian Humanitarian Crisis. As of yesterday, Boris is match funding to £20m and I will be sponsoring myself to kick it off. 

We appreciate its only 48 hours until we climb however we should be very grateful if you would consider sponsoring us. As we are sure you know, even if you read this after the climb, donations are still very welcome.