Ukrainian President Personally Thanks Ashton Kutcher And Mila Kunis For Their Efforts In Raising Close To $35M For Ukraine
"I thanked them on behalf of our people, on behalf of all of us."
When the Russian-Ukrainian war broke out in February, the whole world was left feeling helpless as we watched the battle unfold. We all wondered if and how we could possibly help the people of Ukraine as they were left to fight or flee.
Celebrities were among the first to offer financial support, with stars such as Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Benedict Cumberbatch all donating large amounts. However, celebrity couple Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher seem to have made the biggest impression on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
President Zelenskyy posted his heartfelt thanks to the couple on Twitter and even had a chat with them via a video call. Mila and Ashton launched a GoFundMe on March 3, hoping to raise $30 million. The couple donated $3 million of their own money, and as of March 21, more than 71,000 people had collectively donated $34,886,500.
The most significant amount was donated by Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle Corporation, who contributed $5 million to the GoFundMe.
But every dollar counts, whether great or small, and without each thoughtful donation, Mila and Ashton's goal may not have been reached or exceeded. President Zelenskyy personally thanked the celebrity couple for using their influence to help the Ukrainian people.
He tweeted his thanks and shared a photo of a video call between himself and the two actors. However, the details of the chat have not been disclosed.
In an official statement, President Zelenskyy said, "I also spoke with Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, a star couple who sincerely believe in us, in our victory, and in our future."
"They help Ukrainian IDPs [internally displaced persons] by raising funds, and the two of them have already raised $35 million," he continued. "I thanked them on behalf of our people, on behalf of all of us."
Mila and Ashton have recently posted on social media that they are raising their goal to $40 million. The couple has chosen to use Flexport.org and Airbnb.org to deliver the funds where they are needed as quickly as possible.
"Flexport.org is organizing shipments of relief supplies to refugee sites in Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova," the couple posted. "Airbnb.org is providing free, short-term housing to refugees fleeing Ukraine."
President Zelenskyy has expressed his gratitude to the Hollywood actors.
Instagram / zelenskiy_officialHe posted his heartfelt thanks to the couple on Twitter and shared a photo of a video call between himself and the two actors.
Twitter / ZelenskyyUaAshton had previously tweeted a message of support for the nation.
Twitter / aplusk
He also expressed his opinion on Putin's government.
Twitter / aplusk
"I also spoke with Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, a star couple who sincerely believe in us, in our victory, and in our future," President Zelenskyy said.
Instagram / aplusk
Mila and Ashton launched a GoFundMe on March 3, hoping to raise $30 million. The couple donated $3 million of their own money, and as of March 21, more than 71,000 people had collectively donated $34,886,500.
Twitter / aplusk
They have since raised their goal to $40 million.
Twitter / aplusk
The couple has chosen to use Flexport.org and Airbnb.org to deliver the funds where they are needed as quickly as possible.
Twitter / aplusk
"We will treat every dollar as if it were being donated from our pocket, with respect and honor for the work that went into earning it."
Twitter / aplusk
Here's how people reacted.
Twitter / smileygirl927
"Thank you for what you do."
Twitter / AlexKitSec
"Well done, Ashton and Mila."
Twitter / thinkhelen
"We stand united."
Twitter / GoFundMe
"We stand with Ukraine."
Twitter / ljwilloughby
"This makes me proud."
Twitter / rhino2318
"Ukraine loves you."
Twitter / nomeutenteo
"God bless you."
Twitter / fiordimaggio22
"So respectable and honorable."
Twitter / FasslerEllen
"You are amazing people."
Twitter / Oncehadredhair
How amazing are these individuals? Their kindness and humility are immeasurable.
The people of Ukraine (and everywhere) are eternally grateful for the support Mila, Ashton, and others like them are providing. At this time of heartbreak and tragedy, every dollar and every minute counts.
Thank you for all you do, Mila and Ashton! We hope you reach your goals and then some.