Ferrari gives €1M to 'support Ukrainians in need'

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Ferrari said Tuesday that it has donated €1 million ($1.1 million) to "support the Ukrainians in need.”

"The funds will be channeled through the (Italy's) Emilia-Romagna Region that, in collaboration with the Red Cross and UNHCR (UN High Commissioner for Refugees), will fund international humanitarian projects supporting Ukraine as well as local initiatives focusing on the reception of refugees in the Italian region," according to a statement from the world-famous Italian luxury car manufacturer.

Ferrari also suspended car production for the Russian market, until further notice, to show solidarity with Ukraine.

"Ferrari stands alongside everyone in Ukraine affected by this ongoing humanitarian crisis," CEO Benedetto Vigna said, adding that the Italian carmaker "cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of everyone affected."

Vigna also called for peace and dialogue.

Ferrari has a Formula One racing team, Scuderia Ferrari.

Monegasque racing driver Charles Leclerc and Spain's Carlos Sainz are currently competing for the Italian team.

One of the best teams in F1, Scuderia Ferrari have won 16 constructors' championships.

Russia's war on Ukraine, which began Feb. 24, has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.

At least 474 civilians have been killed and 861 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, according to the UN, while noting that conditions on the ground make it difficult to verify the true number.

Some 2 million people have also fled to neighboring countries, said the UN refugee agency.