What does it mean for global businesses to ‘stand with Ukraine’?

I have been doing business in Ukraine since 2011. The first time I arrived in Kharkiv, the statue of Lenin was on his pedestal in Freedom Square. Ukraine was a different place.?

Over the past 11 years Ukraine has swiftly transformed to become one of the most significant software engineering powerhouses in the world. With a rapidly growing economy and infrastructure, free and fair democratic elections and a high standard of living. If you’re in tech, life in Ukraine is often better than in many western alternatives.

If, like me, you use software from companies such as Atlassian, VMWare and others you will depend daily? on software developed and contributed to by Ukrainian developers in Ukraine. Ukraine deserves the global recognition and respect it has earned for its technological prowess.?

The fact that Ukrainian talent is globally respected, ambitious and western in its orientation also describes why recognised agencies such as Softserve, Global Logic, Cyclum and others maintain large engineering hubs in Ukraine. The IT community is young, passionate, western, hardworking, intelligent, aspirational and collaborative.

And this story is only just beginning, or was. The rate of growth in the IT community in Ukraine has been one of the fastest in the world, catapulted by the West’s recognition and embrace of the values and resources of the Ukrainian IT community.

In a combination of moral outrage and practical concern, the West’s response to the Russian invasion has indicated it will ‘stand with Ukraine’. Through crippling sanctions and practical support both lethal and non-lethal, the West has spoken in no unclear terms that ‘we are standing with Ukraine’.

Similarly the sporting and performing arts communities, at reflex speed, condemned Russia and demonstrated their ‘stand with Ukraine’ by barring Russian teams from participating in major global events, blocking sponsorships and canceling events. This trend will continue.

At Paydock we too deplore the unwarranted violence and state initiated terrorisim toward the nation of Ukraine. We condemn the killing of civilians and the use of weapons of indiscriminate destruction and death. You can read our statement here.?

Today, displaced brilliant Ukrainian engineers are, beyond their lives, worried about their jobs and their futures. It appears Ukraine is on a short track to formally enter the EU and enjoy a position alongside Poland, Germany, Austria, France and others, assuming Ukraine can hold on long enough. For every Ukrainian, this is a recognition of what the country has become as a result of their hard work.

In light of the above, I believe western businesses should consider not discriminating against Ukranians because of their neighbour’s aggression and investigate ways to ‘lean in’ and offer support and hope at this important time - an investment that will provide short and long term value to all.

The vast human resources of Ukraine may be paused, but only for a while. Ukraine will need all the help and support it can find and businesses must play a role.

If you are a Ukranian who has lost your job because of Russian aggression, please contact me. We would love to help you find your feet again and will do everything to try to find a home for you at Paydock.

If you are a startup or software company wanting to stand with Ukraine, please let me know. I know many great agencies and teams across Ukraine who are passionate about their customers and know the value Ukraine can bring to the world stage - and the deep tech resources who may be more available than ever to work for you.

We have seen the dedication of Ukrainian developers across the country who, in the midst of this turbulent war, continue to work in basements, bathrooms and bunkers for their customers.. Businesses must respond in a similar spirit -? pushing aside a spirit of fear and mobilising a spirit of hope and support.

This is when business makes the difference.

#westandwithukraine