The Czech project ‘Gift for Putin’ (Dárek pro Putina) has announced the completion of fundraising for a military helicopter for Ukraine. The Czech Republic has become the first country whose citizens financed the purchase of a helicopter for the Ukrainian army through donations, vinegret.cz wrote.
According to the organisers, the amount collected exceeded the planned amount, and the surplus will be used to deliver the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk to Ukraine. Details are promised to be announced at a press conference on 7 March.
The collection started in November 2023, but due to the high cost of the helicopter lasted more than a year. Initially, the organisers planned to purchase the machine for 105 million crowns, but later found a similar option outside the EU for 70 million crowns (about 2.8 million euros). As a result, the project accounted for more than 72 million crowns, which were donated by more than 20 thousand people, including individuals, companies and public organisations.
The helicopter will be handed over to the Ukrainian military intelligence for special operations and pilot training. The UH-60 Black Hawk can be used for military transport, cargo transport, electronic warfare and casualty evacuation.
The ‘Gift for Putin’ project raises funds for weapons for Ukraine using a variety of creative methods, including the sale of themed merchandise and charity auctions. Earlier, the project purchased a Tomash tank for the Ukrainian armed forces.