US$6.5 billion raised at donors’ conference for Ukraine

May 5, 2022

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WARSAW, Poland

War-ravaged Ukraine was given US$6.5 million more in humanitarian assistance Thursday at an international donor conference held in Warsaw. The conference sought to provide urgent aid while also planning for post-war reconstruction.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was a co-host for the conference. He announced that $6.5Billion in donations had been raised, drawing applause from officials and leaders at the one day meeting. Also, representatives from companies like Google and the United Nations were present.

Many pledges were made by countries and businesses. Some pledged in person at the conference at Warsaw’s National Stadium, while others pledged remotely. His co-host was Magdalena Andersson (Sweden’s Prime Minister). saidThey were thrilled with the amount they received.

The war in Ukraine has prompted a lot of international humanitarian aid. As the war drags on, humanitarian needs in Ukraine are becoming more urgent. Apart from the thousands of casualties, millions have been forced to flee their homes.

Morawiecki saidUkraine has a daily need for over 12,000 tons humanitarian aid, but only 3,000 tons is being sent. He saidThe conference showed that the world does not ignore Russia’s “genocidal” war.

Andersson saidOur goal was to help Ukraine in both the present and future.

She stated, “Ukraine will win the war and we will stand with you.” said.

European Council President Charles Michel saidHe expressed hope that the conference could serve as a point of departure for a Marshall Plan (a U.S.-sponsored plan to revive European economies after World War II).

Volodymyr Zeleskyy, the Ukrainian President, addressed the conference by video. He echoed Michel’s statement that Ukraine funds mirror the Marshall Plan, and reiterated the hope that Ukraine can join the EU. He saidThe funding Ukraine receives would go towards security in the whole region.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said”Hundreds of Billions of Euros and Reforms” are required to rebuild Ukraine and open its doors to the EU.

Denys shmyhal, the Ukrainian Prime Minister, attended the meeting in person. saidHe was thankful for the “crucial assistance” that he received at a moment when “the fate and destiny of our state are being decided.”

He described the government’s postwar plans for “building back better” with technologically advanced urban areas, and energy efficient buildings.

“The new Ukraine will set an example for the rest of the world.” said Shmyhal.

Google and COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca joined nations in pledging assistance.

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