Ukraine Reconstruction's Golden Lifeline 'Lego'... Donations Increased Due to Toys

Gift Lego sets by lottery among sponsors
Reconstruction funds for schools, bridges, hospitals, etc.
Zelensky "Trump, please inform about the ceasefire plan"

The United24, a fundraising organization supporting Ukraine, created a LEGO model of the "Motherland Monument," one of Ukraine's major symbols. [Image source=United24 official website]

United24, a civilian reconstruction fundraising organization operated by the Ukrainian government, has attracted attention by raising over 900 billion Korean won in reconstruction funds through a program that gifts LEGO sets to donors. With the U.S. presidential election in November approaching, and U.S. support steadily decreasing amid the rising possibility of former President Donald Trump, who opposes aid, winning re-election, the Ukrainian government is also grappling with countermeasures.

Russia is intensifying military cooperation with allied countries such as North Korea and China to pressure the Ukrainian front. Concerns are also emerging that Ukraine’s diplomatic isolation will deepen as pro-Russian far-right forces gain strength across European countries.

LEGO Sets Gifted to Donors Contributing Over $24... Donations Surge

United24 is giving away LEGO sets as gifts through a lottery among donors who contribute $24 or more.
[Image source=United24 homepage]

According to CNN, as of the 3rd (local time), the fundraising amount of United24, a fundraising organization operated by the Ukrainian government, has exceeded $650 million (approximately 901.8 billion Korean won). The organization began fundraising in May 2022, after the outbreak of the war, and a program that delivers LEGO sets by lottery to donors who contribute more than $24 in collaboration with the famous toy company LEGO has gained great popularity.

According to United24, the funds raised have so far enabled the reconstruction of five hospitals, 18 residential buildings, and 24 bridges, as well as the purchase of 240 ambulances and 659 hospital generators. The Ukrainian government also stated that the funds have helped in the development of suicide drones, air defense systems, and military technology. Since most of the support for Ukraine has focused on military aid, reconstruction support is mainly carried out through fundraising campaigns.

The fundraising program involving LEGO began in 2022 after the LEGO Foundation started donating to Ukrainian schools and educational institutions. Designers and artists from LEGO planned a program to create LEGO models of major historical buildings in Ukraine that were destroyed or at risk of collapse due to Russian bombings, using them for fundraising campaigns. Subsequently, donors from 110 countries worldwide have significantly increased.

Decreasing U.S. Support... Zelensky Concerned About Trump’s Election

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

With former President Trump, who has strongly opposed support for Ukraine, expected to have an advantage in the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November, concerns are rising that U.S. aid may be drastically cut or disappear altogether.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Bloomberg, "Trump said he knows how to end this war, and if he knows, he should tell us today," adding, "We are ready to hear Trump’s proposal and want to know whether it will affect our independence, cause us to lose sovereignty, whether we will receive support, or be left alone."

This remark is interpreted as a sarcastic response to former President Trump’s statement during the U.S. presidential debate on the 27th of last month, where he criticized the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine as excessive and said he would end the war immediately if elected. At that time, Trump said, "Every time Zelensky comes to the U.S., he takes $60 billion. He is the best salesman," and added, "Before taking office on January 20, as president-elect, I will make Putin and Zelensky end the war."

Especially as the issue of support for Ukraine has become one of the biggest points of contention in the U.S. presidential election and Republican opposition has intensified, the scale of aid is steadily decreasing. On the 28th of last month, the U.S. government announced emergency support of weapons worth $150 million, including missiles and ammunition, aimed at strengthening the Ukrainian military. This support was provided through the 'Presidential Drawdown Authority,' which allows overseas aid after notifying Congress and obtaining presidential approval.

Military Closeness Among North Korea, China, and Russia... Russia Preparing for Prolonged War

On the 3rd (local time), at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) met. [Image source=AFP·Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Russia is strengthening military ties with China following North Korea, striving to gain an advantage on the Ukrainian front. On the 3rd, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a separate summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The two leaders met again two months after Putin’s visit to China.

President Putin said, "Russia and China are experiencing the best period in their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation," emphasizing, "The two countries will act for our interests, not against anyone, and are not targeting any specific country." President Xi also stressed in his opening remarks, "Putin is a long-time friend, and the relationship between the two countries is at a high level," adding, "In the turbulent international situation and external environment, the two countries must continue their aspiration for friendship for future generations."

China claims it is strengthening cooperation with Russia but not providing military support; however, suspicions persist that Russia relies heavily on China for many war materials and weapons, including attack drones. The Ukrainian local media Kyiv Independent pointed out, "Chinese and Russian companies are negotiating the development of attack drones similar to the Iranian Shahed drones."

Julian Smith, U.S. Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), said in an interview with Bloomberg TV, "Within NATO, there is growing evidence that China can no longer be considered a neutral country," and added, "We are warning China about the risks of supporting Russia in its aggressive war."