Crypto.com will air campaign in support of Ukraine during Academy Awards

Cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com plans to use its ad time during the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday to air a TV spot regarding the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

In a Wednesday announcement, Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek said the exchange had partnered with the International Committee of the Red Cross, or ICRC, to launch a campaign aimed at helping those suffering under war-torn conditions in Ukraine. The CEO did not specify what the campaign would entail, but the platform already allows donations in crypto, fiat, and nonfungible token purchases to the humanitarian network Red Cross Red Crescent. The exchange will match up to $1 million in donations until March 31.

“The humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, and I believe it’s our responsibility to support those in need,” said Marszalek. “Throughout this tragedy, the entire cryptocurrency community has come together to show the world who we are, our values, and the importance of what we’re building."

We're matching donations to the Red Cross Red Crescent all weekend, in support of people affected by the crisis in #Ukraine.Donate now at https://t.co/iEUh6H77qP.@ifrc @icrc pic.twitter.com/kGd9ii65Zu

According to the ICRC, more than 3.6 million people have fled Ukraine as of March 24, a month since Russian military forces invaded the country. Reports out of Ukraine suggest millions of people are facing food and water shortages, lack of medical care due to many hospitals being damaged or destroyed, and displacement after being forced to leave eastern parts of the country.

Many private businesses are facilitating donations of digital assets including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) towards helping Ukrainians. In addition to Ukraine’s government accepting crypto donations directly through wallet addresses provided by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the legislative body partnered with exchanges FTX and Kuna and staking platform Everstake to launch a donation website on March 14. Cointelegraph reported that as of March 9, many charities, relief organizations, and government wallets had received roughly $108 million in crypto towards helping Ukraine.

Related: Every Bitcoin helps: Crypto-fueled relief aid for Ukraine

In addition to its efforts for Ukraine, Crypto.com announced on Tuesday it would be an official sponsor of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar scheduled to begin in November. The exchange has made a major marketing push in the last year, partnering with many sports organizations including the Australia Football League, Formula 1, and Ultimate Fighting Championship.