Maksym Krippa invests in culture and defence: $1 million for The Konotop Witch
On 17 December 2024, Forbes Ukraine held the Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award ceremony. The event brought together leading business people, philanthropists, and cultural figures, and its main event was a charity auction. The most expensive lot of the evening was the production of The Witch of Konotop, directed by Ivan Uryvsky, which reached a record price of $1 million.
The auction winner was Ukrainian Entrepreneur and investor Maksym Krippa, owner of NAVI, Maincast, and GSC Game World. He said the play would be shown to the NAVI team on the occasion of the club’s 15th anniversary. According to him, supporting culture remains an important factor in preserving national identity and uniting society even in difficult times.
An auction that exceeded expectations
The auction featured other iconic lots in addition to The Witch of Konotop. For example, a private training session and dinner with Elina Svitolina raised $300,000, and Tiberius Silvashi’s Wings was sold for $400,000. Thanks to Nova Poshta’s initiative, all the proceeds were doubled, significantly increasing the total amount of financial assistance.
The $1 million donated by Maksym Krippa will support the 12th Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine through the AZOV.ONE Foundation. The rest of the auction proceeds will strengthen air defence, namely through the Come Back Alive and Nova Poshta funds.
Symbolism of the play ‘The Witch of Konotop.’
This theatrical production combines Ukrainian folklore, satire, and social motifs that remain relevant today. It has become a symbol of the indomitable Ukrainian spirit. Director Ivan Urivsky said that the play entertains and encourages more profound reflection on history and the present.
The role of culture in rebuilding the country
Maksym Krippa stressed that art and culture are integral to national recovery. His involvement in such initiatives demonstrates how business can play a key role not only in the economy but also in the country’s social life. The Forbes Charity Auction has become an example of successful interaction between business, culture, and volunteer initiatives, which together strengthen Ukraine and its defense capabilities at a crucial moment in history.
