Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu announced a US$500,000 donation on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, and vowed the country would continue to stand with Ukraine during a videoconference June 10 with Bucha Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This Love from Taiwan donation will be used for reconstruction of a city scarred by the Russian military’s massacre of civilians, Wu said. The gesture underscores a deep-seated care and concern for those impacted by Russia’s war of aggression, he added.
According to Wu, Taiwan was quick to support Ukraine by joining international sanctions against Russia and donating cash, essential items and medical supplies. The government has sent over 580 tons of humanitarian relief to EU member states and Ukraine for those impacted by Russia’s unprovoked invasion, as well as more than US$40 million to help rebuild churches, key infrastructure, medical institutions and schools, he said.
As a country long facing threats and coercion from a neighbor, Wu said, Taiwan understands the need to convey solidarity and extend a helping hand.
Fedoruk, who responded by thanking Wu for the charitable act and timely assistance, said Taiwan’s kindness will never be forgotten. Russia’s invasion and attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty are unforgiveable, and have only galvanized the people’s will to defend the nation’s territory and democratic way of life, he added.
The videoconference is the fourth between Wu and a prominent Ukrainian leader. The first was April 22 with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the second May 31 with Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and the third June 20 with His Beatitude Epiphanius I, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
In a tweet on the MOFA’s official Twitter account, Wu said “I had an emotional call with Mayor Fedoruk of #Bucha, the scene of some of the worst war crimes committed by #Russia against the innocent. #Taiwan will continue to #StandWithUkraine in its fight for sovereignty, freedom & democracy. JW” (DL-E)
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