The Ukrainian won 500,000 euros ($540,000) by buying a scratch card for 5 euros at a gas station in Belgium.
How tells Reuters, a representative of the National Lottery announced the big win, without revealing the identity of the lucky winner. It is only known that this is a young man a little over 18 years old, who came from Ukraine to Belgium a year ago, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The young man, who “escaped” from the war raging in his country, has been living and working in Brussels for a year and on May 16 he bought a lucky ticket at the gas station. According to the rules of the lottery, he was invited to the headquarters in Brussels to collect his winnings – such is the process for winners of more than 100,000 euros. National Lottery spokesman Joke Vermoer says:
“His feelings were very mixed. His thoughts were clearly connected with Ukraine, and at this time it is difficult to be satisfied with everything that is happening in his country. But at the same time, of course, he was very pleased with his success and, above all, full of hope. With the money won, he intends to do something for his compatriots and for the restoration of his country. But first he wants to throw a party in Belgium for the family and friends who have taken care of him and helped him integrate into the local community.”
She added that the young man found work in Belgium, but “of course, he would prefer to return to Ukraine as soon as possible, as soon as the war is over.”
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