Ukraine Expands Crypto Donations to Accept Dogecoin

Ukraine said it would now accept cryptocurrency donations in dogecoin (DOGE) from supporters of the conflict with Russia – and tagged the billionaire and DOGE promoter Elon Musk in the tweet announcement.

Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s vice prime minister and minister of digital transformation, tweeted the news on Wednesday morning, along with the country’s official DOGE wallet address in an effort to solicit donations in the dog-themed cryptocurrency.

“Now even meme can support our army and save lives from Russian invaders,” tweeted Federov.

Ukraine has ramped up its cryptocurrency donation efforts in recent days, adding SOL and DOT donation addresses in addition to DOGE. Only bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH) and tether (USDT) were included in the initial announcement by Ukraine accepting cryptocurrency donations.

So far the crypto donation effort has brought in more than $40 million, including additional contributions that poured in after Ukraine announced that it might conduct an airdrop to donors.

The vice prime minister noted that the price of DOGE (approximately $0.13 at press time) “exceeded” the price of one Russian ruble (approximately $0.009 USD at press time), in an apparent dig at Russia.

In the tweet, Federov tagged Musk, the billionaire CEO of electric-vehicle maker Tesla, who has spoken favorably of DOGE in the past and described himself as "The Dogefather" in a tweet leading up to his "Saturday Night Live" hosting gig last year. Federov also tagged Billy Markus, the creator of Dogecoin, who goes by the pseudonym Shibetoshi Nakamoto.

Dogecoin founder Markus responded to Federov via a tweet saying he had personally “sent some” DOGE as a donation.

“Dogecoin folks aren’t usually rich and dogecoin itself is generally used for small transactions, but we are a caring and passionate bunch,” tweeted Markus. “Those who want to help will offer what they can ~ I hope the country can heal and rebuild stronger after all of this.”

At press time, Ukraine’s official DOGE wallet had received over 300 donations totaling about 272,000 DOGE, or $35,360.

The most commonly donated amount? 420 DOGE.