In the village of Bobryk, Ukraine, amidst growing uncertainty in U.S.–Ukraine relations, some informal ties with American philanthropists remain robust despite the ongoing war with Russia. One notable supporter, Howard G. Buffett, son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, is making his 18th journey to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. This visit occurs as the U.S., under President Donald Trump, attempts to negotiate a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. However, combat continues, casting doubt on the U.S.’s commitment to aiding Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Buffett stated that changes in U.S. political dynamics do not alter his foundation’s dedication, which aims to provide over $1 billion in aid to Ukraine this year. He expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a peace agreement, saying, “Putin doesn’t want it, and he won’t respect it.” Buffett emphasized his foundation’s determination to persist in its efforts as long as necessary.
Aboard a train with Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, Buffett discussed their collaboration on humanitarian demining—a partnership that began in 2023 and continues to strengthen. Svyrydenko regards Buffett as one of Ukraine’s steadfast allies. Numerous Americans across the political spectrum, through financial or voluntary means, support Ukraine’s war efforts and criticize the U.S. for not doing more over the years.
During this visit, Buffett joined Svyrydenko in the northern Sumy region, where tensions have risen since Ukraine’s territorial losses near Russia’s Kursk region. They went to Popivka and Bobryk, areas now high-risk zones due to land mines from the previous occupation by Russian forces in 2022, with some places like a local school having to relocate to safer areas during air raid alerts.
Buffett’s foundation has been instrumental in fulfilling humanitarian needs in Ukraine, contributing approximately $800 million, with $175 million earmarked for demining efforts. As part of the humanitarian demining mission, Svyrydenko’s ministry oversees critical infrastructure needs. She commended Buffett’s understanding of the economic challenges due to mined lands affecting the country’s agricultural output, which has already lost 20.5% of its farmland, crippling its ability to contribute to the global food supply.
Around 139,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land are potentially mined, impacting fertile agricultural areas vital to the country’s economy and heritage. Mine-related incidents have already claimed 335 lives and wounded 823. Approximately 6.1 million people reside in areas at risk of mine contamination.
Despite the current turbulence in U.S. policies, Buffett remains optimistic about continued American support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic aspirations. He acknowledges the challenges, stating, “At the end of the day, I think the U.S. will do the right thing, but it may be a painful process and there may be a lot more Ukrainians that die.”
The Buffett Foundation supports bipartisan U.S. congressional trips to Ukraine, with additional visits scheduled soon, to ensure that American lawmakers witness the war’s realities firsthand. Buffett stressed the importance of these delegations in fostering understanding and empathy, reminiscing about traveling through war-ravaged areas like Kharkiv to Borova and emphasizing the atrocities in towns such as Bucha, Borodyanka, and Irpin, where civilian abuses occurred.
“This is why showing up matters,” Buffett remarked. He affirmed that firsthand experiences and stories from affected communities are crucial for comprehending the war’s devastating impact on Ukraine.