Russian Jewish billionaire Yuri Milner pledges $100 million for Ukrainian refugee relief

• Author: ASAF SHALEV/JTA
• Published date: 29 April 2022
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Unlike other billionaires whose wealth is linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Milner has managed to avoid Western sanctions meant to punish Russia for waging war on its neighbor, and his latest donation serves to further distance him from the Kremlin

A dual Russian and Israeli citizen who lives in California, Milner, and his wife Julia, are best known in the world of philanthropy for establishing the Breakthrough Prize to recognize and promote scientific achievement. But they have also become significant donors to various causes in Israel.

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Among the beneficiaries of the Milners in Israel are the emergency response agency Magen David Adom, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and the Peres Center for Peace.

The new Ukrainian relief efforts, called Tech for Refugees, involve a partnership between the Milner's Breakthrough Prize Foundation and private companies, including short-term housing from Airbnb, hospital beds and emergency medical equipment from Flexport and from music streaming service Spotify.

"We have been devastated by the heartbreaking suffering of the Ukrainian people," the Milners said...