coindesk.com
The Ukrainian government launched a new crypto donations website on Monday, streamlining its multi-million dollar effort to turn bitcoin into bullets, bandages and other war matériel.
“Aid for Ukraine,” which has the backing of FTX, staking platform Everstake and Ukraine’s Kuna exchange, will route donated crypto to the National Bank of Ukraine, Everstake’s Head of Growth Vlad Likhuta told CoinDesk. Ukraine’s crypto-savvy Ministry of Digital Transformation is also involved.
The country's collective efforts have already raised some $48 million in bitcoin, polkadot, ether, solana, tether and other cryptocurrencies, according to the website. Other estimates place the total closer to $100 million, but totals vary with market swings and exactly which websites are included.
The website deepens an unprecedented tie-up between public and private sector forces in crypto. Exchange powerhouse FTX is converting donations into fiat for deposit at the National Bank of Ukraine, a press release said. It described this relationship as a “first.”
Everstake’s involvement allows more cryptocurrencies to be accepted by the website.
The central bank is using donations to support “humanitarian aid programs” as well as the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to the website. “The people will continue their fight for freedom, but they need more ammunition and necessities,” the website read.
“Crypto assets proved extremely helpful in facilitation of funding flows to Ukrainian citizens and soldiers, as well as in raising awareness and engaging people worldwide,” Oleksandr Bornyakov, an official at the digital ministry, said in a statement.
He hinted that an upcoming NFT collection “will give the next boost to the crypto fundraising process.”