A global pledging event for Ukrainian refugees called Stand Up for Ukraine has raised 10.1 billion euros ($11 billion), European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in Warsaw on Saturday.
“The ‘Stand Up For Ukraine’ campaign has raised 9.1 billion euros for people fleeing bombs, inside and outside Ukraine, with an additional billion pledged by EBRD [the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development],” von der Leyen said.
The event convened by the EU and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought to raise money for internally displaced people in Ukraine and refugees from the war-ravaged country, organizers said.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Artists including Elton John, Alanis Morissette, Billie Eilish, Annie Lennox and Chris Rock joined the campaign alongside global leaders pledging for their countries.
More than 4.4 million refugees have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24.
Most of them have headed to EU countries including neighboring Poland which has taken in more than 2.5 million refugees so far.
Von der Leyen hailed the income from the event as “fantastic” at a meeting in Warsaw on Saturday.
In a statement, she promised that “more will come.”
“The solidarity of countries, companies and people worldwide offers some light in this dark hour,” von der Leyen added.
“And once the bombs have stopped falling, we will help the people of Ukraine rebuild their country. We will continue to Stand up for Ukraine.”
The Warsaw meeting was also addressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Ukrainian courage has already united the whole democratic world,” he said in a video message, calling on the West to slap more sanctions on Russian banks and stop buying Russian oil.
Read more:
Russia calls for integrating BRICS payment systems
Russia revokes registration of Amnesty and Human Rights Watch
Elton John, Celine Dion support ‘Stand Up For Ukraine’ social media rally
