First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska spoke at the ceremony of presenting the Presidential award "National Legend of Ukraine" to American philanthropist Howard Buffett.
"For some, the war is 'somewhere far away,' while others go where the war is because they cannot stand by and do nothing – true friends don't need to be asked for help," she said.
The First Lady noted that Howard Buffett has been helping Ukrainian farmers with equipment and warriors with their rehabilitation. He also funded the construction of a kitchen-factory in Bucha, which will be able to prepare 10,000 meals a day and provide food for more than 30 schools in the Kyiv region.
"His energy for helping truly knows no bounds. May it continue this way! Today, I am happy to present this state award to such a sincere and empathetic person. It is the least we can do to thank our friends in different countries," Olena Zelenska remarked.
Howard Buffett is Ukraine's largest private donor. His foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, has provided over $500 million in aid to Ukrainians. Since April 2022, the philanthropist has visited Ukraine more than 10 times, including trips to Bucha, Kharkiv, Sumy, Kherson, Vuhledar, Slovyansk, and Bakhmut.