United24, a new fundraising platform recently announced by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, accepts a number of cryptocurrencies alongside traditional payment methods. The initiative also allows donors to choose how their money will be spent.
Kiev launches new donation platform amid ongoing war with Russia
Ukraine, which increasingly relies on foreign donations to support its defense efforts and overcome humanitarian challenges after Russia’s invasion, now offers those who want to help an integrated platform that simplifies the process and distributes financial support according to the will of the donor.
According to the website, United24 was launched by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the main platform for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. The Ukrainian head of state announced the global initiative last week, with his administration noting that the goal is to unite people from around the world in their desire to help the country.
United24’s goal is to increase donations for the Eastern European nation while ensuring efficiency and transparency in their distribution, the press release stressed. The project allows everyone to join forces to support Ukraine and provide real help to Ukrainian citizens suffering from war, Zelensky noted and clarified:
Anyone can donate in one click from any country. Individual conscientious citizens, entrepreneurs, and large technology corporations.
A number of payment methods are available to donors. These include traditional methods such as bank transfer, credit card and Paypal. Members of the cryptocurrency community can send funds through a range of coins – from BTC and BCH, to USDT and DOGE – through Whitepay, a provider of point-of-sale (POS) cryptocurrency payment solutions.
Ukraine has already received millions of dollars in cryptocurrency donations, and in March the Ukrainian government launched a website called “Help Ukraine” for those who want to send digital currencies. This was announced after media reports of a growing number of cryptocurrency fraudsters engaged in “helping Ukraine.”
Financial aid will be distributed in three main areas: defense and mine clearance, humanitarian and medical aid, and reconstruction of Ukraine. Individuals and organizations wishing to send money are asked to select one of these options as soon as they click “Donate.”
The funds raised will be transferred to accounts at the National Bank of Ukraine assigned to the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Infrastructure, who will use the money to meet the most urgent needs. They will report on the distribution of donations each week.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mikhail Fedorov has been assigned to oversee the initiative. The consulting and auditing company Deloitte Ukraine, part of the international Deloitte network, will review the reports filed by the ministries on a quarterly basis.
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons