Ukraine Highlights War, Aid Efforts

Ukraine’s presidential office on Aug. 21 reported developments ranging from international fundraising and food security to support for the Plast scouting movement and the ongoing war with Russia. The updates were published on the official website of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy said the UNITED24 fundraising platform had raised nearly $4 billion for Ukraine since its launch, with participation from 145 countries as well as millions of individuals and businesses. He made the remarks during a UNITED24 summit and met with the initiative’s ambassadors, who were visiting Ukraine ahead of Independence Day.

The president also spoke by phone with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres about threats to global food security, including Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure and vessels. In a separate address, Zelenskyy called for international assistance to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

According to the presidential office, rescue operations were underway in Kryvyi Rih after what Zelenskyy described as a Russian drone strike on a shopping mall. He said 14 people had been reported killed at the time of his address. The office also reported a meeting on developing and providing state support for the Plast scouting movement, chaired by Presidential Office Head Kyrylo Budanov.