Celebrity Couple Raises Millions to Help Ukrainian Refugees

It only took five days for Hollywood power couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis to raise $18 million for the victims of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the two actors pledged to match donations of up to $3 million to help supply humanitarian aid destined for Ukraine refugees.

“While we witness the bravery of the people in the country [Mila] was born in, we’re also witness to the needs of those who have chosen safety,” says Ashton Kutcher. Born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, Mila Kunis adds “I have never been more proud to be a Ukrainian. The events that have unfolded in Ukraine are devastating. There is no place in this world for this kind of unjust attack on humanity.”

The conflict forced more than two million residents to flee Ukraine and could displace up to 5 million people. The couple wanted to address the principal challenge and the logistics, and they also wanted to help get housing and supplies into the area. To do so, they decided to match the donations made to rental company Airbnb and freight transporter Flexport. Their initial goal is to raise $30 million. Three hours after their announcement, they raised $2.5 million, and within five days, reached $18 million in donations. Now, the couple is doing its monetary part by matching donations of up to $3 million.