“The world has finally pledged 9.1 billion euros as part of the ‘Stand up for Ukraine’ campaign. “In addition, the Commission, together with the EBRD, is adding another billion for the displaced persons in Ukraine. It’s fantastic. So 10.1 billion euros,” said Ms. von der Leyen.
Of the sum promised by the European Commission, 600 million will go to the Ukrainian authorities and 400 million to “Border states which are doing a remarkable job to help refugees”, she said.
According to the President of the Commission, other funds “will be added”.
Belgium, “as long as necessary”
For its part, Belgium has released 800 million euros to support Ukraine and its refugees, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced on Twitter. “Right now, new Belgian trucks are on the road bringing medical and food aid to Ukraine. We will continue our efforts as long as necessary,” adds Mr. De Croo in a video posted on the social network, where he deplores the “inhumanity” of the Russian strikes which destroy homes and hospitals, separate families and condemn war crimes. and the rapes perpetrated by Russian soldiers.
This campaign was launched on February 26 by Ms. von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It has mobilized governments, institutions, artists, companies and individuals from all over the world, welcomes the Commission on its website.
Artists such as Elton John, Alanis Morrissette, Billie Eilish, Annie Lennox and Chris Rock have joined the campaign alongside world leaders who have pledged on behalf of their country to mobilize billions of dollars to help Ukrainian refugees.
“We are devastated to see the suffering of people in Ukraine,” Elton John said on Facebook. The 75-year-old pop legend called on her fans to ‘help people whose lives have been turned upside down and who have given up everything for a safer life’. “No one should have to go through this kind of tragedy,” added Elton John.
“Once the bombs stop falling, we will help the Ukrainian people to rebuild their country. We will continue to defend Ukraine”, concluded the President of the European Commission.
In a video message, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the West to impose more sanctions on Russian banks and stop buying Russian oil. “Ukrainian courage has already united the entire democratic world,” he said.
More than 4.3 million Ukrainians have left their country since the Russian invasion on February 24, according to the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The UN also estimates the number of internally displaced persons at 7.1 million. The conference was held in Poland, a country bordering Ukraine which hosts the largest number of Ukrainian refugees. More than 2.5 million of them crossed the 500 kilometer border with Poland.