A Ukranian children’s centre wrecked by Russian bombs is among the beneficiaries of a £1.3million donation by Lord Ashcroft.
The British peer has given the money to a charity run by the wife of Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Olena Zelenska Foundation is devoted to easing the suffering of Ukrainians living under Russia’s brutal invasion of their country.
Philanthropist Lord Ashcroft has met the First Lady twice this year, first in London and later in Kyiv.
She said: ‘The Olena Zelenska Foundation was established two years ago in response to the daily pain of Ukrainians. We wanted to give them back a normal and decent life that was ruined by the Russian attack – the ability to get treatment, to study, to have a roof over their heads.
‘I am glad that we find like-minded people in different countries who help us with this, who care. Lord Ashcroft is just such a person. He understands that this is not just about Ukraine now, but about the whole world.
‘It is about preserving humanity and justice in it. Helping the victims of attack and aggression, being on their side is the foundation of civilisation. Doing everything to reduce suffering is the fundamental value of modern humanity.’
The British peer (left) has given the money to a charity run by the wife of Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky (right)
The Olena Zelenska Foundation is devoted to easing the suffering of Ukrainians living under Russia ‘s brutal invasion of their country (pictured: A view of destruction after Ukrainian army regained control of Borodyanka)
The First Lady said she was ‘incredibly grateful’ to Lord Ashcroft, ‘and to everyone who not only shares these values, but personally brings them to life,’ adding: ‘After all, he is improving not only Ukrainian life, but the whole world.’
The main bulk of the new donation, £1.15million, will go towards funding the Children’s Creative and Sports Centre in Borodianka, near Kyiv.
This rural settlement was under Russian occupation for 38 days during February and March 2022 and, before Ukraine regained control of the area, many buildings were destroyed including a creativity centre and a sports centre for young people.
The 40 clubs and groups that used the centres for the likes of basketball, boxing, volleyball, football and choreography have continued to hold their activities in schools and community centres but last year the Olena Zelenska Foundation decided to finance the building of a new base.
The project, which is also being funded by a significant donation from the Temerty Foundation, is due to be completed in 2026.
Lord Ashcroft said: ‘I am delighted to be making this donation to the Olena Zelenska Foundation. These are desperately difficult times for Ukraine and I urge everyone to do what they can to support the country in its hour of need.
‘The more I have discovered about the Foundation from the First Lady, the more impressed I have been by its wonderful work.
However, there is so much more that needs to be done in terms of reconstruction because Russia has relentlessly targeted Ukrainian cities, towns and villages with little or no regard for the lives and welfare of their civilians.’
Over 40 people were killed and around 200 were left injured in an air strike in a in a central region of Ukraine on September 3
Firefighters at site of a Russian missile strike in Odesa region, Ukraine on August 26, 2024
Firefighters work at the site following an air attack in the Kyiv region on August 26, 2024 after Russian drones and missles targeted 15 regions across Ukraine in an overnight barrage
Destroyed houses at the site following an air attack, in Kyiv region on August 26, 2024
As a mother of two herself, the First Lady has been particularly keen to help children. She said: ‘I think any conscious adult understands that, first of all, children are the most vulnerable category of people who suffer from war. They are the least protected. And when you see them suffer, it tears your heart.’
The remaining £150,000 of the donation will go towards funding a project in the western city of Lviv, a laboratory at the Lviv Children’s Medical Centre which specialises in the treatment of youngsters with diseases and disorders.
Lord Ashcroft has visited Ukraine eight times since the Russian invasion in 2022, travelling to cities on or near the frontline including Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, Slovyansk, Izium and Lyman.
He has already funded several projects in Ukraine, particularly in the Black Sea city of Odessa, where he is the lead sponsor of an annual security summit.
He has also paid for supplies of medical equipment, winter clothing and other goods for Ukraine.
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