Ukraine launches website for cryptocurrency donations


The Ukrainian government partnered with crypto-firms to fundraise for its defence efforts against an invasion by Russia. —Bloomberg

The Ukrainian government on Monday launched a website in partnership with crypto-firms FTX and Everstake that will funnel donations to Ukraine's central bank as it combats a devastating invasion by Russia.

On the "Aid for Ukraine" website, users can currently offer donations in 10 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, ether, tether and dogecoin.

"Cryptocurrencies play a significant role in Ukraine's defence," Oleksandre Borniakov, Ukraine's deputy minister of Digital Transformation, said in a statement.

"Cryptocurrency assets have proven to be extremely valuable in facilitating the flow of funding to Ukrainian citizens and soldiers and in raising awareness and interest among the global public," he added.

The crypto firm Everstake, one of the largest in Ukraine, will allow users be able to make donations in other cryptocurrencies than those listed on the site.

The site also plans to add the ability to donate non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the future.

Bahamas-based exchange platform FTX, founded by US billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried, will convert the donated funds into dollars and route them to the National Bank of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian cryptocurrency exchange platform Kuna is also part of the initiative.

On the "Aid for Ukraine" site, a tracker showed that by 0230 GMT Tuesday, almost US$49mil (RM206.18mil) had been raised out of a goal of US$200mil (RM841.56mil).

The money will be used to support the Ukrainian military as well as civilians "in dire need of humanitarian assistance," the partnership said in the statement. – AFP

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read