(Warsaw) An international fundraiser has raised 10.1 billion euros (13.8 billion CAN) to support Ukraine invaded by the Russian army, the President of the European Commission announced on Saturday in Warsaw. Ursula von der Leyen.
Posted at 11:38 a.m.
The Stand Up for Ukraine campaign was launched by the international organization Global Citizen with the support of the European Union and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Artists such as Elton John, Alanis Morrissette, Billie Eilish, Annie Lennox or Chris Rock have joined the campaign alongside world leaders who have pledged on behalf of their countries to mobilize billions of dollars to help Ukrainian refugees.
“The world finally pledged 9.1 billion euros as part of the campaign […] In addition, the Commission, together with the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), is adding another billion for displaced persons in Ukraine. It’s fantastic. So 10.1 billion euros,” said Mme von der Leyen.
According to her, other funds “will come” to be added to it.
“The solidarity of countries, businesses and people around the world offers some light in this dark hour,” said Mr.me von der Leyen, at the closing ceremony of the Stand Up for Ukraine campaign.
“And once the bombs stop falling, we will help the people of Ukraine rebuild their country. We will continue to defend Ukraine,” she said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke via video message.
“Ukrainian courage has already united the entire democratic world,” he said, calling on the West to impose more sanctions on Russian banks and stop buying Russian oil.
More than 4.3 million Ukrainians have left their country since the Russian invasion on February 24, according to the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UN also estimates the number of internally displaced persons at 7.1 million.