Ivanka Trump celebrated Ukraine’s determination as she thanked her people for “inspiring the world with courage”.
In an Instagram video posted last night, Trump thanked partner charities for helping deliver a million meals to the war-torn country.
She said: “To the people of Ukraine, you are in our thoughts and prayers. And our hearts break for what you are going through at this difficult time.
Trump said Ukrainian courage “inspired the world” as Russia’s invasion continued
She said “God bless Ukraine” and repeated the message in an Instagram story last night
“You have inspired the world with your courage and bravery as you fight for your country and freedoms.”
Trump worked with religious groups City of Destiny, City Serve and Mercy Chefs to send the food packages to people in Lviv, Kyiv and the northeastern city of Sumy.
Local rabbis, priests and other faith leaders were seen handing out packages to queues of people in clips newly released by Trump.
Trump thanked their “extraordinary partners” for “risking their lives to deliver these meals to the most vulnerable in cities across Ukraine.”
Trump also released footage of religious leaders delivering food packages across the country
Trump, along with religious charities, helped donate more than a million packages in days
Trump released footage of Ukrainian volunteers helping when their country is threatened
“We are so grateful.”
The generous donation came as the conflict-torn city of Mariupol is being “turned to dust” by brutal Russian invaders, according to Mayor Vadym Boichenko.
Buses chartered to evacuate refugees have been refused exit from the devastated city, he said.
Meanwhile, Kyiv claims 17,000 Russian soldiers were killed during the invasion, which began late last month.
But local bottlenecks and the destruction of roads have made life in the country particularly difficult, according to the British Ministry of Defence.
Kyiv now claims that 17,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the invasion began in February
The mother of Ukrainian lieutenant Pavlo Chernikov, 32, cries as soldiers sing the national anthem
Ukrainian soldiers are staunchly defending their country, but face supply shortages
Kyiv’s Defense Ministry said Russia, after suffering heavy losses, was forced to withdraw some units from the capital’s environs.
The retreat has “significantly reduced” the intensity of the advance on the city as Putin’s forces regroup in Belarus.
Those still trying to advance into Kyiv are attempting to seize the main streets and settlements in the north-east and north-west of the city, but are being held back by the defiant Ukrainians.
Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Hanna Malyar said: “To date, the enemy is regrouping its forces, but it cannot advance anywhere in Ukraine.”
Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko said 160,000 people were trapped in the city without electricity
Valentina Demura, 70, stands next to the apartment building in Mariupol that she used to call home
Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to resume this week, with President Zelenskyy claiming Kyiv is ready to adopt neutral status and compromise over the fate of Donbass
Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to take place in Turkey this week, with Volodymyr Zelenskyy insisting on his country’s territorial integrity after earlier indicating he was ready for a compromise.
He said in his video address to the Ukrainian people late Sunday that his government would prioritize Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” at talks due to take place in Istanbul.
But in comments to Russian journalists earlier in the day, Zelensky struck a different tone, saying Ukraine was ready to adopt neutral status and compromise on the status of the eastern Donbass region as part of a peace deal.
In the video call, during which the Kremlin pre-emptively warned Russian media not to report, Zelenskyy said any deal would have to be guaranteed by a third party and subject to a referendum.
“Security guarantees and neutrality, non-nuclear status of our state. We are ready for it,” he added in Russian.