As any identifiable support to Ukraine is deemed crimes against the state by the Russian authorities, cryptocurrency might be one of the few options for Russians to support Ukrainians. While the West is increasingly concerned about Russia’s possible use of cryptocurrencies to circumvent sanctions, many Russians are now using Bitcoin to assist Ukrainians.
Pavel Muntyan, a very popular Russian animation artist and creator of the animated online series “Mr. Freeman,” has urged anti-war Russians to rally with Ukrainian civilians as Russia continues its military assault on the country. He posted a Tweet on Tuesday to announce the creation of a cryptocurrency contribution address to aid Ukrainians anonymously. He also informed that the money will be utilised entirely to give needed items to Ukrainian people as well as to help the families of Ukrainian army members
On February 27, Russia’s General Prosecutor’s Office issued an official warning that any help to Ukrainians during Russia’s “special operation” in Ukraine would be deemed high treason, with Russians facing up to 20 years in prison.
The contribution address contains around $1,500 in Ether (ETH) and approximately $350,000 in Tether (USDT) altcoins. The Ukrainian government has also set up a number of cryptocurrency donation channels to assist Ukrainians in the aftermath of Russia’s military incursion into the country.
Muntyan had already been involved in the cryptocurrency business and NFTs. He launched his own altcoin in cooperation with Free TON. He is well-known for his support for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s detractors.
