The head of state made the statement while speaking at a United24 forum, according to Ukrinform.

"United24 – Ukraine's state fundraising platform – is now in its fifth year. It is a tool that helps Ukraine build thousands of strong and heartfelt connections around the world. Today, 145 countries are with us through United24. Millions of donors – many of them ordinary people, as well as very well-known United24 ambassadors, many businesses from around the world, humanitarian organizations, and even ordinary schools in other countries where children raise funds for United24. It is an extraordinarily large community of people who care about what happens to Ukraine," Zelensky said.

He said that since United24 was established in 2022, nearly $4 billion has been raised through the platform for Ukraine's needs.

"All of this is extremely important. And importantly, it is from people, for people. Every donation, every expression of support for Ukraine from different parts of the world creates a lasting emotional connection with Ukraine – faith in Ukraine and in the values that inspire our people to defend themselves in this war and achieve results," he said.

Zelensky said the largest contributions to United24 had come from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Norway, Belgium, Ireland, Japan, Poland, Lithuania, Turkey, Singapore, Paraguay, El Salvador and even Guinea-Bissau.

He noted that some countries from which donations are received should not be publicly identified.

"Because ordinary people are providing this support. And we do not want to create problems for these people because of the immoral positions of the governments of those countries regarding Russia, its aggression and this war," he said.

Zelensky also stressed that the funds raised have been directed toward Ukraine's defense, including "technologies that save people's lives, drones, robotic ground systems and other capabilities that help prevent loss of life."

The president also highlighted United24's achievements in humanitarian areas.

"These include reconstruction and the delivery of medical equipment, hundreds of ambulances and incubators for newborns. We are very grateful for this," he said, adding that the platform also successfully supports projects in education, energy and humanitarian demining.

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"Every donation, every expression of support for Ukraine from different parts of the world creates a lasting emotional connection with Ukraine, faith in us, in Ukrainians, in Ukraine and in the values that inspire our people to defend themselves in this war and achieve such important daily results," Zelensky concluded, thanking everyone who donates and contributes to the platform.

During a meeting with United24 ambassadors, Zelensky also thanked them for their commitment and for using their voices to help protect human lives.

"I met with the ambassadors of the United24 fundraising platform: actress Katheryn Winnick, actor, director, and producer Liev Schreiber, footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko, chef and founder of World Central Kitchen José Andrés, and director, journalist, photographer, and war correspondent Mstyslav Chernov, who will also soon join the team of ambassadors," he wrote on Facebook.

The president said United24's work is fundamentally about shared values.

"It is about millions of people from around the world who have helped. It is a signal that they stand with Ukraine. Your visit here, during a very difficult period of massive attacks, is also a great source of support for our people. There are more challenges and risks now, but we have to be stronger," he said.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine