The Ukrainian Embassy in the United Kingdom said in Video posted on Twitter which included footage of Zelensky wearing the jacket. And now the iconic item, signed personally by President Zelensky, is here.
The aim of the event was to “tell the stories of (Ukrainian) courage that became symbolic during the war, as well as raise funds to support this courage,” according to Tweet from the embassy.
After months of military build-up, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine in late February, sparking geopolitical turmoil and a refugee crisis. More than 3,000 civilians have died in the conflict, according to the latest estimate from the Ministry of Defense Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Ukrainian Embassy in London hosted its “Courageous Ukraine” fundraising drive, which featured toys donated by Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska and photographs by the late photographer Max Levin as well as Zelensky’s jacket, at Tate Modern. The event raised more than $1 million for the Embassy’s official fundraising effort “With Ukraine”. Most of the funds will be allocated to the re-equipment of the Western Ukrainian Children’s Specialist Medical Center, The embassy said.
In a speech at a fundraising event, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Zelensky’s leadership after the Ukrainian president addressed attendees via video call.
“What an honor it is to speak after my friend Volodymyr Zelensky, truly one of the most wonderful leaders of the modern age,” he said, According to a transcript from the British government.
Johnson also called for “significantly higher bids” at the initial starting offer of £50,000, or about $61,000, for Zelensky’s wool.
He criticized Russia for “destroying cities in Ukraine” and praised the courage of the Ukrainian people.
“That is why I am more certain than ever that Ukraine will win,” Johnson said. “Ukraine will be free, and a sovereign Ukraine will rise again.”
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