Ukraine's Defense Ministry Decides Where Crypto Funds Are Spent

The government's crypto fund has received donations worth $16.8 million.

AccessTimeIconMar 1, 2022 at 1:08 p.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 3:56 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Ukraine's Defense Ministry is deciding on the allocation of donated crypto funds, said Michael Chobanian, the founder of Ukrainian exchange Kuna who is leading the crypto effort for the country.

Chobanian spoke to CoinDesk shortly after tweeting details of how Ukraine's crypto fund had received cryptocurrency worth $16.8 million in support from donors worldwide.

"14 million USD of the 16.8 million USD has already been spent," said Chobanian.

The spending was revealed on the same day a Russian rocket attack killed 70 Ukrainian soldiers, and satellite images showed a 40 mile (64 km) Russian military convoy only 17 miles away from and still approaching Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a standing ovation after a video address to the European Parliament.

The Ukraine government has not revealed where the funds are getting spent "due to a level of secrecy involved" but insisted that it is transparent thanks to blockchain technology.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov is aware of how the funds are being allocated because he is the one giving the orders, according to a person familiar with the process. Details will have to be revealed by the government, the person said.

CoinDesk earlier reported how the Ukrainian government is purchasing critical supplies, including gas, food and military equipment, using cryptocurrency donations.

CORRECTION (March 1, 18:14 UTC): Corrected spelling of Michael Chobanian's name.








Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

Amitoj Singh

Amitoj Singh is a CoinDesk reporter.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.