President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with ambassadors of the United24 fundraising platform online.
"I am very excited to speak to you on the eve of the second anniversary of United24. And I invite you all to join the summit and visit Ukraine again. This is very important for us. We met last year, but this year it is even more important, and you understand why," the Head of State said.
At the summit to be held in Kyiv, Ukraine aims to bring together all ambassadors and key partners.
The meeting was attended by philosopher, publicist, Stanford University professor Francis Fukuyama, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, actors Misha Collins, Mark Hamill, Liev Schreiber, Katheryn Winnick and Ivanna Sakhno, historian Timothy Snyder, country singer Brad Paisley, and Imagine Dragons band members Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee and Mac Reynolds.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the world celebrities for their support of Ukraine and Ukrainians, and for helping to raise funds in this difficult time. Each of them is responsible for their own area: air defense, reconnaissance drones, demining, medical care, reconstruction of residential buildings and educational institutions, and arrangement of school shelters.
"I am happy to be part of your team. Thank you for standing together all this time, throughout this path – the path to victory. I am very grateful to each of you for your donations, policy of support and your voices being heard all over the world. It is very important," the Head of State said and expressed particular gratitude to the founder of World Central Kitchen José Andrés. The philanthropist could not join the meeting due to the tragedy that befell his team. Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences to José Andrés and the staff of his organization over the death of his colleagues.
During the meeting, the parties discussed plans for further cooperation. They focused on stepping up support for Ukraine, particularly among Americans.
The United24 fundraising platform was launched on May 5, 2022, at the initiative of Volodymyr Zelensky. Among the 24 ambassadors of the project are actors, directors, entrepreneurs, musicians, scientists, athletes, and even an astronaut. Thanks to their support and the efforts of donors from 110 countries, more than $625 million has been raised to support our country. These funds were used to purchase various types of drones, naval drones, anti-drone systems, mine clearance equipment, incubators for premature babies, ambulances, as well as to rebuild 26 bridges, apartment buildings, schools, and arrange shelters for children.
