Microsoft is extending the support of Ukraine until the end of 2023 and will provide $100 million of technological aid. This was announced by the Brad Smith, Vice President of Microsoft, during a meeting with Mykhailo Fedorov, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
The technical aid will enable government institutions, critical infrastructure and other sectors in Ukraine to continue to use digital infrastructure and work in the Microsoft cloud free of charge.
Also, during the meeting, the curatorship of the digital sector of Ukraine and its further implementation were discussed. In particular, in the areas of cyber, justice, customs, medicine and education.
"We consider Microsoft to be true friends who are ready to support us not just in words. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the company has provided technologies that have played a crucial role in protecting the stability and security of Ukrainian data. Microsoft has already provided free cloud services until the end of 2022 and now extended it until 2023. Announced a new technological aid that will enable the digitization of as many state departments as possible, including supporting the reform of the State Statistics Service. So I can say that Microsoft has already become part of the revolutionary changes in Ukraine," Minister Fedorov noted.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Microsoft's total support of Ukraine amounts to more than $400 million. In addition to enabling technology services to run in the Microsoft Cloud, the company continues to support the country with critical cybersecurity protection; support nonprofits and humanitarian organizations; provide data and support to international organizations aiding Ukraine and addressing war crimes against civilians; etc.
The company became one of the first to suspend all new sales of products and services in Russia at the beginning of March.
"Microsoft supported and continues to support Ukraine. This applies to both financial investment and technological assistance. We are ready to support Ukrainian innovations and projects. Therefore, we plan to further strengthen and expand our cooperation," said Brad Smith.
This summer, the Ministry of Digital Transformation presented Microsoft with the "Peace Prize", which was initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is a special award from Ukraine for companies and corporations that left the Russian market.
