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Topics: Volodymyr Zelensky, Ashton Kutcher, World News, Ukraine
Hannah Smith
Topics: Volodymyr Zelensky, Ashton Kutcher, World News, Ukraine
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has personally thanked Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher for their fundraising efforts in support of refugees.
Zelenskyy revealed he'd held a video call with the couple on Sunday (20 March), as the celebrities announced their campaign was nearing almost $35 million in donations to help Ukrainians forced to flee their country following Russia's invasion.
In a tweet, the president shared an image of the trio speaking over video conference, writing that Kutcher and Kunis had been 'among the first to respond to our grief.'
"They have already raised $35 million & are sending it to @flexport & @Airbnb to help [Ukrainian flag] refugees. Grateful for their support. Impressed by their determination. They inspire the world. #StandWithUkraine," he tweeted.
In a statement on Monday, Zelenskyy further praised the couple, saying: "They help IDPs [internally displaced refugees] by raising funds. And the two of them have already raised $35 million. I thanked them on behalf of our people, on behalf of all of us. This is a good result for one couple of our friends in America."
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Kunis, 38, was born in Chernitvtsi, Ukraine in 1983 before moving to the US aged seven. She and Kutcher were among the first celebrities to speak out on what they described as Russia's 'unjust attack' against Ukraine, with the couple establishing their 'Stand With Ukraine' fund and pledging to match $3 million in donations with their own money.
The fundraiser has since far surpassed that goal, with Kunis confirming last week that the donations had broken the $30 million mark.
"Over 65,000 of you donated. We are overwhelmed with gratitude of the support and while this is far from the solve of the problem, our collective effort will provide a softer landing to so many people as they forge ahead into their future of uncertainty," she said.
The fundraiser is partnering with logistics company Flexport to help shop supplies and to refugee processing sites, as well as Airbnb to help provide free accommodation.
"Our work is not done. We're going to do everything we can to ensure that the outpouring of love that came from you all as a part of this campaign finds a maximum impact with those in need," Kutcher said in an update last Thursday (17 March).
Among the tens of thousands of donors is Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, who gave $5 million to the fund, and Silicon Valley venture capitalist Ron Conway, who pledged $2.5 million.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information