The president of Microsoft, Brad Smith, announced this Thursday that he will maintain the technological services agreed with the Ukrainian government to face the Russian invasion throughout 2023, a support that will mean additional 100 million dollars to the nearly 300 million already contributed.
We have to look ahead, not only to winter but to 2023. For this reason, we announce that Microsoft is going to extend all of our technological assistance that we have provided to the Government and critical infrastructure throughout 2023”
started in February, reported Smith, who estimated the support accumulated so far for Ukraine at 400 million.
The president of Microsoft made this announcement during a press conference together with the Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, in Lisbon within the framework of the Web Summit technology congress, where he advocated keeping the “new digital alliance” created between countries “strong”. , companies and entities to support the country.
He explained that this technology will allow maintaining services in the cloud (cloud) and public data centers of the Government and other organizations that continue to operate in Europe.
He also stressed that this kind of technology in times of war can “ensure the resilience and security” of Ukraine, where a “hybrid war” is taking place and fundamental rights are being violated.
Smith acknowledged that Russia has carried out “destructive” cyberattacks against Ukraine that affected both military and civilian infrastructure, but said that “there have not been as many effective attacks” because they have managed to stop them with the help of technology companies that support Volodymyr Zelensky.
On the other hand, Fedorov reported that he is at the Web Summit to find new partners to guarantee the internet connection service in his country, in addition to SpaceX’s Starlink service, which continues to operate, among other services.
We are working with other carriers, not just SpaceX. One of the reasons to come to the Web Summit is to look for new partners”,
he explained.
The Ukrainian government assured last week that the initial agreement reached with tycoon Elon Musk on internet connection services through Starlink satellites provides that they will continue to function regardless of their financing.
The SpaceX founder claimed that he would not discontinue service even if the US government refused to cover the bill.
Federov also highlighted the technological advances made by the Ukrainian government both on the battlefield and in services to civilians.
“Our technology is deeply embedded in the battlefield,” said the minister, noting that many military personnel are part of younger generations who are familiar with the rapid implementation of technological advances.
He specified that these advances include the use of artificial intelligence and drones.
In addition, the Government has digitized the population’s data services and streamlined permits for the creation of companies, among other measures.
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