CIS markets betting group Parimatch has launched a UAH 30 million (€2.9m) fund to provide direct support for ‘defenders of Ukraine’ fighting against an illegal invasion by Russian armed forces.

This weekend, Parimatch posted a LinkedIn statement, declaring that it would “not hide away from the conflict” and provide all help necessary to those fighting against Russia’s invasion.

Parimatch outlined that its funds will be used to “purchase the necessary protective ammunition, food and medicines”.

“In these difficult times for the country and the Ukrainian people, we must act as a united front and help each other and the defenders of Ukraine,” the statement read.

Founded in Kyiv in 1994, Parimatch is recognised as one of Ukraine’s earliest online businesses, whose success would see it expand and become the biggest online bookmaker serving all regulated CIS territories.

Meanwhile, Parimatch has grown to become one of Ukraine tech’s biggest and most valued employers, recruiting a Ukraine market headcount of +2,000 staff.

“We stay in Ukraine, we work here and we want to be here,” Parimatch declared.

The firm outlined individual cases of its staff either joining Ukraine’s military ranks as volunteers, providing frontline support for victims across battle-torn provinces, helping assist foreign media covering the conflict and combatting Russian disinformation campaigns.   

This morning, Ukraine and Russian leadership delegations declared that they were prepared “to meet without pre-conditions” and negotiate a possible ceasefire.