Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Galactic, visited Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday amidst ongoing Russian missile attacks on Ukraine. Branson was appointed as a new ambassador for UNITED24, Ukraine’s official fundraising platform, and Zelensky expressed gratitude for Branson’s support in raising awareness about Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has been ongoing for over a year.
During his visit, Branson shared that he had also met with Ukrainian soldiers in Lviv, including a soldier who had lost both arms and a leg but remained positive and determined to return to the frontline. Branson, along with American philanthropist Howard Buffett, also supported the construction of a kitchen in Bucha, outside Kyiv, which aims to provide hot meals to over 10,000 children every day in Bucha, Borodianka, and Nemishaevo. The project is set to expand to the Kharkiv region with Buffett’s support as well, according to Bucha Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk.
Branson had previously met with Zelensky in June, a few months after the invasion began in February, and had engaged in conversations with Ukrainian officials and business leaders to better understand the situation on the ground and explore ways in which business, civil society, and governments can effectively support Ukraine.
As Branson visited Ukraine, Russian forces continued their attacks on frontline cities in eastern Ukraine, with Kyiv reporting airstrikes and artillery barrages on besieged Bakhmut and other cities and towns. The situation remained dire, with Avdiivka described as a “total ruin” due to Russian strikes, and the remaining population at risk on a daily basis. Despite the challenging circumstances, Branson commended President Zelensky for his unbreakable spirit and determination to repel the aggression, as he witnessed firsthand the impact of the war on Ukraine’s people and communities.
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