Australian philanthropists Andrew and Nicola Forrest have pledged $3.15 million (5 million AUD) to assist war-affected Ukrainian communities, urging world leaders to step up support and make Russian assets pay for the war.
The Minderoo Foundation, founded by the Forrests, has already donated $12.6 million (20 million AUD) to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, supporting demining efforts, food and energy security, and child protection programs.
"Ukraine Has Every Right to Defend Itself"
Andrew Forrest, the billionaire mining magnate behind Fortescue Metals Group, called Russia’s invasion an attack on civilization and criticized Western governments for not doing enough.
"Ukraine has every right to protect its borders, and the international community will be extremely shortsighted if it does not stand with Ukraine," Forrest stated, as cited by The Kyiv Independent.
While philanthropy can help, he stressed that governments must do more—especially by seizing Russian assets and targeting Kremlin elites who continue to profit while financing the war.
Targeted Assistance for War-Torn Regions
Minderoo’s latest donation will focus on Ukraine’s eastern regions, including Dnipro, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv, which have suffered some of the war’s deadliest attacks.
Mykolaiv: Struck by cluster munitions in 2022
Dnipro: Site of a devastating missile strike on an apartment complex in January 2023
The funds will go toward demining agricultural areas, aiding households affected by Russian attacks, and supporting peace-building efforts in collaboration with local organizations.
Nicola Forrest underscored the economic and humanitarian necessity of demining, noting that one-quarter of Ukraine’s farmland is contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance.
"Recovery, growth, and global food security depend on it," she stated.
Full Support for Zelensky
Andrew Forrest reiterated his foundation’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a leader of resilience and character.
"As I have told the president before, we unequivocally support Ukraine to recover from this atrocious war on the terms acceptable to him and his people," he said.
His remarks come at a tense moment in international diplomacy, as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks direct negotiations with Russia, bypassing Kyiv and European allies. Trump recently called Zelensky a "dictator without elections" and questioned his role in the peace process, sparking backlash.
