President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented to Howard G. Buffett, a philanthropist, farmer, businessman and founder of The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, a plaque with his name on it, which was unveiled on the Walk of the Brave in Kyiv.
During the opening ceremony, the Head of State noted the significant contribution of the American entrepreneur and philanthropist to helping Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated: Howard Buffett's name will now be next to the names of those who have stood with Ukraine since the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion. In total, there are already 27 plaques on the Walk of the Brave.
"On this plaque in Constitution Square, your name and the date of your first visit to Ukraine are inscribed. Also on this square are people who have been with us, worked with us and helped from the first days and months. You are among these world leaders – friends of Ukraine. Thank you very much for being here," the President said.
The Head of State thanked Howard Buffett for supporting Ukraine during the aggressive war unleashed by Russia.
"You have repeatedly come to Ukraine to provide assistance to all our people, and you have done a lot for our people. You have also provided significant support in the process of mine clearance in Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said and added that this support is important for Ukrainians.
Howard Buffett told the President about the events planned during his current visit to Ukraine and his meeting with the First Lady, on whose initiative he is implementing a number of projects. The philanthropist thanked for recognizing his work and assured that he would continue to stand with the Ukrainian people.
In 2022, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation spent almost $150 million on charitable projects in Ukraine. In 2023, the amount of aid will reach about $360 million.
The Foundation's main projects include the construction of kitchen factories in Bucha and Lozova, police stations in Borodyanka and Izyum, and a dog training center in Bucha; support for the State Emergency Service with demining equipment (vehicles, drones, and equipment); assistance in investigating war crimes, including the transfer of several dozen DNA testing machines.
Howard Buffett also provides assistance to farmers through the Victory Harvest Foundation, established in Ukraine, donating combine harvesters, tractors, equipment, seeds and fertilizers.
The entrepreneur funded the creation of the Superhumans Center, the purchase of vehicles and modern trauma kits that are vital at the front line.
The Walk of the Brave in Kyiv has already honored, among others, the following: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of Poland Andrzej Duda, President of Latvia in 2019-2023 Egils Levits, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 2019-2022 Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of Slovenia in 2020-2022 Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Poland in 2017-2023 Mateusz Morawiecki, Deputy Prime Minister of Poland in 2020-2022 Jarosław Kaczyński, American actor, film director, screenwriter and producer Sean Penn, founder of the World Central Kitchen charitable organization José Andrés.