Ukrainian flag waves over Everest
Ukrainian mountaineering champion Valentyn Sypavin, a Kharkiv resident, has climbed the world's highest peak for the fifth time with his team, according to the U24 website. With a yellow and blue flag in his hands, the climber dedicated his ascent to all Ukrainians fighting for their freedom and to the donors of the United24 fundraising platform.
The organisers did not know whether it would be possible until they received this photo.
"Due to the abnormal cold and a large amount of snow, it was the hardest climb to Everest for the Ukrainian mountaineering champion Valentyn Sypavin. But he did it. The Ukrainian flag waved at an altitude of 8848.86," the organisers said.
"We dedicated this climb to all Ukrainians and donors, partners and ambassadors of the project. Once again, we want to show that nothing is impossible for those who have a common goal and strength of spirit. We thank Valentyn and the team of 5 brave climbers for this peak," the statement reads.
The organisers plan to raffle off the flag of Ukraine, which Valentyn Sypavin unfurled on the summit, among the platform's donors, and use the funds raised to help Ukrainians.
United24 is a fundraising platform that collects donations to support Ukraine. It was launched at the national level on 5 May last year. The funds are transferred to the accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and distributed among the relevant ministries.
The money is allocated in three areas: the army and demining, medical aid and rebuilding Ukraine. Reports on the distribution and use of funds are updated weekly.
So far, the ambassadors of the platform are: footballer Andriy Shevchenko, screenwriter Liev Schreiber, tennis player Elina Svitolina, Imagine Dragons music band, singer Barbra Streisand, Balenciaga creative director Demna Gvasalia, actor Mark Hamill and others.
Over 11 months of operation, people from all over the world have joined the United24 platform, and the amount of charitable contributions has now crossed the $305 million mark.
Earlier, on the occasion of the World Vyshyvanka Day, UNITED24 created exclusive embroidered shirts for the platform's ambassadors from around the world as part of the project to support Ukraine.
For example, Mark Hamill's embroidered shirt, which plays the role of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars film series, features geometric patterns with Jedi lightsabers. In his appeal, Mark Hamill calls on everyone to join in to help Ukraine fight evil and make a contribution to buy 10 RQ-35 Heidrun reconnaissance drones.
Anyone can win one of these embroidered shirts, like those worn by the U24 ambassadors, by making a small donation.