In times of crisis, our phones can become our saviors and lifelines. This has been fairly evident ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, as the people of Ukraine have been using technology to fight back. From getting a timely alert about air raids to encrypted messaging, Ukrainians have been relying on various apps to survive and navigate their way through the war.

Here are some of the apps for Android and iOS that have helped Ukrainians stay informed and connected in the face of Russian aggression.

1. Signal

Ukrainians understand that secure communication is key. This is why Signal saw over 700,000 downloads in Ukraine from February 24 to March 20, 2022, an increase of over 1075% from the prior month period.

The app allows end-to-end encryption, making messages safe from prying eyes. With Signal, you can send and receive text messages, photos, videos, documents—anything you’d normally send in a message.

Each user has a unique identifier; since it’s encrypted, only those with your ID can see your content. You can also set self-destruct timers on sent messages, so they disappear after a certain amount of time.

Download: Signal for Android | iOS (Free)

2. Air Alert

Information is an invaluable resource during testing times. And when there is a possibility of airstrikes or chemical attacks, a timely notice can help with the evacuation.

Air Alert has been serving the people of Ukraine by supplying critical information about civil defense alerts. Even if the phone is silent, the app will sound a loud alert to inform about an airstrike, chemical attack, or any other form of civil defense alert.

While the civil defense sirens in the cities are helpful, they are often not as useful in remote areas. As a result, Air Alert stands out as all you have to do is download the app and specify your location.

Download: Air Alert for Android | iOS (Free)

3. Diya

Diya, an official app by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, allows people access to important documents like passports, COVID-19 certificates, or driver’s licenses. However, shortly after the conflict began, the Ministry of Digital Development in Ukraine notified its citizens that the service could be hampered.

The app has been in turmoil ever since as the users have not been able to access their documents. Lately, however, an eDocument feature was introduced which allows citizens to generate a temporary document.

Download: Diya for Android | iOS (Free)

4. Telegram

This app alone experienced over one million downloads in March 2022. The people of Ukraine have been relying on Telegram for updated news and alerts about the war. The public Telegram channel UkraineNOW has over a million users. Even the government of Ukraine has official channels of mass communication established on Telegram.

The app allows encrypted messaging and the setting up of channels with unlimited users. In addition to news and alerts, locals there have been using Telegram to share pictures, videos, and other updates about what is happening on their streets.

Download: Telegram for Android | iOS (Free)

5. Starlink

Ukraine’s communications infrastructure was in shambles ever since the conflict began. Internet outages became a common theme. That was until Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, stepped in to restore internet access for the people of Ukraine.

Estimates show that the Starlink app has been downloaded almost 100,000 times in Ukraine. The app allows you to establish a wireless and secure internet connection with the thousands of trackable SpaceX satellites in the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO).

Download: Starlink for Android | iOS (Free)

Technology Provides Aid During Conflict

There is no denying that the people of Ukraine have effectively leveraged technology in their favor. Managing to secure communications and infrastructure during a conflict is no easy task.

This becomes more apparent when we look at the ever-so-popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram. Ukrainians have strategically used social media to spread awareness of the ongoing conflict to the outside world. And it seems to be working, as people all around the globe have been donating to their cause. At the time of writing, more than $50 million has been donated in cryptocurrency alone.