Millions Of Euros Already Collected By ‘Gift For Putin’ Initiative Backing Kyiv

A Czech crowdfunding initiative is raising money for a “Gift for Putin” that will support Ukraine in its war for freedom. So far, the project has raised €23 million ($25.09 million) to purchase a tank, mine clearance system, rocket launcher, drones and munitions for Kyiv.

Backed by tens of thousands of donors, the initiative being promoted in six languages has 8% of the sum collected donated by foreigners. This comes as fears grow Kyiv’s Western allies are growing weary of providing support to the country in its war against Russia.

Czech Government’s Notable Support For Ukraine

Led by former TV editor Martin Ondracek, 53, the initiative wants to raise enough money to buy a Black Hawk helicopter, worth an estimated €3.6 million ($3.93 million). “We want to tell the world that Ukraine needs these things,” he said.

The Czech government has supported Kyiv with major military and humanitarian aid, in addition to hosting roughly half a million refugees from the war-ravaged country. But this support is waning. “They don’t have any terrible historical experience with Russia,” Ondracek added.

The TV editor has hosted a Ukrainian family in his second home since the beginning of the violence. He has visited Ukraine several times, noting “I’m really looking forward to going back there at the end of the war, with my wife, for a long vacation.”

Focus On Ukraine War Amid Israel-Hamas Violence

In recent weeks, the war in Ukraine has receded from the headlines amid the violence engulfing the Middle East, a Ukrainian counteroffensive yielding only incremental gains and support for the Kyiv government in Washington potentially wavering.

The raging Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, sending shockwaves across the Middle East and stealing away the spotlight over Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently highlighted that “dividing focuses really doesn’t help”.