4 May 2022 15:40

Zelensky urges int'l businesses to send aid to Ukraine directly, regrets it often doesn't reach addressees

KYIV. May 4 (Interfax-Ukraine) - The West's aid does not always reach its addressees in Ukraine, and international businesses should provide direct assistance to Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said while speaking at the Wall Street Journal CEO Council Summit on Tuesday evening.

"Many of the companies that are members of your council have made contributions to UNICEF, the Red Cross, and other international organizations," Zelensky said.

"I am grateful for this, but unfortunately, most of these funds haven't reached Ukrainian citizens and our state. There is a need for direct aid through war bonds or that transferred to an account in our Central Bank, through which we help our citizens," he said.

"By helping us, you're helping yourselves," he said.

Zelensky also called on businesses to open their offices, divisions, production facilities, subsidiaries, and outlets in Ukraine. "In our country, you'll have access not only to our market but also to the European Union's market," he said.

Ukraine has already received an EU decision that it would exempt all Ukrainian exports from duties, he said.