An international fundraiser has raised 10.1 billion euros to support Ukraine invaded by the Russian army, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Saturday April 9 in Warsaw.
The Stand Up for Ukraine campaign, organized by the European Union, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the international organization Global Citizen, aimed to raise funds for Ukrainian displaced persons and refugees. Artists such as Elton John, Alanis Morrissette, Billie Eilish, Annie Lennox and Chris Rock have joined the campaign alongside world leaders who have pledged on behalf of their countries to raise billions of dollars.
“We are devastated to see the suffering of people in Ukraine,” Elton John said on Facebook. The 75-year-old pop legend called on her fans to ‘help people whose lives have been turned upside down and who have given up everything for a safer life’. “No one should have to go through this kind of tragedy,” added Elton John.
Ursula Von der Leyen described the receipts of the event as “fantastic”, during a conference held this Saturday. “The world has finally pledged €9.1 billion under the campaign… In addition, the Commission, together with the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), is adding another €1 billion for displaced persons in Ukraine. It’s fantastic. So 10.1 billion euros,” welcomed the President of the European Commission.
600 million to the Ukrainian authorities
Of the sum promised by the European Commission, 600 million will go to the Ukrainian authorities and 400 million to “Border states which are doing a remarkable job to help refugees”, she said. 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 Ursula von der Leyen.
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.