Ukrainians from the “Monaco battalion”: the president of Shakhtar Donetsk donates 25 million euros to the army of his country
We told you about him a few months ago, as part of our long investigation into the “Monaco Battalion”from the name of this contingent of Ukrainian billionaires who fled their country at the start of the war, to take refuge on the Côte d’Azur.
The richest man in Ukraine, Rinat Akhmetovin particular owner of the Azovstal factory, in Mariupol, and of the football club of Shakhtar Donetsk (which he led to the front of the European scene, with in particular a victory in the UEFA Cup), announced, this Monday January 16, want to donate 25 million euros to Ukrainian soldiers.
“A gesture facilitated by the sale of player Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea for 100 million euros”, understands the English press, which quotes the billionaire on this big transfer: “This guy is leading by example, showing that talent and hard work can make the impossible possible. I have absolutely no doubt that all of Europe will acclaim Mykhailo’s brilliant play.”
1 billion hryvnias
Behind this donation indeed, the “Heart of Azovstal” project, after the city of Mariupol was destroyed by the Russian army. “I decided to start this project to help the defenders of Mariupol and the families of fallen soldiers”, explains the man, originally from this oblast, in The Team.
“It is thanks to them, their sacrifice and their courage to contain the enemy in the first months of the war that today we all feel the inevitability of victory for Ukraine. Today, I allocate 1 billion hryvnias to help our soldiers and defenders, as well as their families.”
“They will address various needs – from medical treatment to psychological assistance, including the implementation of targeted requests”, he concluded.