Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki says countries and businesses have pledged a total of 6.5 billion dollars in aid to support Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion.

Poland and Sweden co-hosted an international donors conference in Warsaw on Thursday. Among the participants were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other heads of state and government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a speech at the event. He said, "The reconstruction of Ukraine must now become the same historical example for our time and for the future as the restoration of European countries after World War Two."

The funds will be used to provide humanitarian aid to Ukrainians who have been displaced inside and outside their country, and to rebuild the country's infrastructure destroyed by the Russian forces.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said on Thursday that he launched a global crowdfunding platform to help Ukraine fight Russia.

In a video posted on social media, he said, "Ukraine is fighting not only for its own freedom but also for the freedom of the whole democratic world."

Donations will be accepted on a dedicated website. The donors can choose from three fields how their money is used: defense and landmine removal support, medical assistance and reconstruction efforts.

The funds will be allocated from Ukraine's central bank to relevant ministries and agencies. Reports on usage will be updated every 24 hours.