Russia’s widely condemned invasion of Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe, but in spite of the massive distance from his Atlanta homeland, Young Thug is looking to lend a helping hand.
Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine under the pretense of “denazifying” the former Soviet Union republic, hundreds of thousands of people have fled the country in an effort to reach safety.
However, there’ve been various reports of African immigrants being unfairly treated at Ukraine’s borders, with a “Ukrainians first” policy preventing them from boarding trains and crossing into nearby countries. Thousands of African students live in Ukraine to study medicine and other technical subjects at affordable prices.
Many African students travel to Ukraine for affordable education. Now they’re being told to save themselves. Heartbreaking.? https://t.co/1PZSOMYEt4
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) February 28, 2022
After catching wind of the racist discrimination taking place at Ukraine’s borders, Young Thug took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday (February 27) to offer his support to the country’s African population while calling on his rap peers to chip in.
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“If some of my rap brothers are in I’m willing to help Africans get out of Ukraine however I can sense [sic] they not letting us pass,” he wrote. “Who ever holds the info for these movements please contact me ASAP I’m ready.”
Young Thug’s YSL cohort Strick, who made several appearances on the label’s 2021 compilation album Slime Language 2, answered the call for help.
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“This needs to be Shared more! I’m with your slime!” he wrote in an Instagram Story while sharing Thugga’s original post. “Proud of you brother. Always been a true leader! PURE. King Spida to the rescue!”
Fellow YSL representative Gunna also lent his support to Ukraine on social media, reposting a call for donations on his Instagram Story with the caption, “Keep praying for [Ukraine].” The DS4Ever rapper previously used his “Pushin P” catchphrase to call for peace.
We Pushing ?️eace #prayforUkraine
— WUNNA (@1GunnaGunna) February 24, 2022
Last week, Cardi Boffered her two cents on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, even though she feared speaking out might get her “killed.”
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“Wish these world leaders stop tripping about power and really think about whose really getting affected (citizens) besides the whole world is in a crisis,” she tweeted. “War, sanctions, invasions should be the last thing these leaders should worry about.”
Cardi B Weighs In On Russia-Ukraine Crisis - But Fears She Might Get 'Killed'
According to the United Nations, at least 102 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since Russia launched its invasion with a further 304 injured. However, the real figure is feared to be “considerably higher.” An additional 422,000 have fled the country.
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So far, Russia has met an outgunned but determined Ukrainian resistance in the capital of Kyiv and other cities, on top of facing tight sanctions from the United States and other Western allies. Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were held at the Belarusian border on Sunday, but an immediate ceasefire has yet to be declared.
