Angered by their government’s refusal to give military aid to Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion, Slovaks have raised nearly EUR 2 million (USD 2.13 million) and counting this week in a drive to help supply ammunition to Kyiv.
Ammunition supplies are a pressing need for Ukraine after two years of all-out war. However, Slovakia has declined to partake in the Czech government’s plan, which at least 15 allies have joined, to purchase hundreds of thousands of artillery ammunition rounds for Ukraine.
“When I heard about the Czech government’s initiative, I was very pleased to hear that all ways are being sought to help Ukraine defend itself against the aggressor [Russia] because there is no other way,” said Otto Šimko, a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor and journalist who helped spearhead the Slovak crowdfunding campaign.
Slovakia halted state military aid to Ukraine last year, arguing the conflict did not have a military solution, and Prime Minister Robert Fico has echoed Moscow’s calls for peace talks.
Ukraine says it will fight until Russian troops withdraw.
Šimko said in a video posted on the crowdfunders’ YouTube page that Russia needed to be expelled from Ukraine so that “peace can be spoken of on terms that suit Ukrainian independence.”
Fundraisers say the campaign is aimed at showing a majority do not agree with the government’s shift in foreign policy since September’s election.
Previous governments had provided air defense and fighter jets to Kyiv, whereas Fico’s foreign minister met his Russian counterpart in March—a rare high-level meeting involving Moscow and a European Union member.
“Many people in Slovakia are ashamed of the government’s orientation to Russia. This is the reason people are contributing,” said Zuzana Izsáková from the organizer “Peace for Ukraine” civil group (in Slovak: Mier Ukrajine).
The “Ammunition for Ukraine” drive had raised EUR 1.94 million (USD 2.07 million) after four days by midday on Friday, with more than 30,000 contributors, making an average donation of EUR 64, according to the initiative’s website.
Izsáková said fundraising would be open-ended, with proceeds going to the Czech ammunition drive, from which the first deliveries to Ukraine are expected in June.
“We will do everything we can so the people of Slovakia can fulfill their intention of helping Ukraine,” Czech TV cited Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala as saying on Thursday while in Brussels for an EU summit.
“When I heard about the Czech government’s initiative, I was very pleased to hear that all ways are being sought to help Ukraine defend itself against the aggressor [Russia] because there is no other way,” said Otto Šimko, a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor and journalist who helped spearhead the Slovak crowdfunding campaign.
Slovakia halted state military aid to Ukraine last year, arguing the conflict did not have a military solution, and Prime Minister Robert Fico has echoed Moscow’s calls for peace talks.
Ukraine says it will fight until Russian troops withdraw.
Šimko said in a video posted on the crowdfunders’ YouTube page that Russia needed to be expelled from Ukraine so that “peace can be spoken of on terms that suit Ukrainian independence.”
Fundraisers say the campaign is aimed at showing a majority do not agree with the government’s shift in foreign policy since September’s election.
Previous governments had provided air defense and fighter jets to Kyiv, whereas Fico’s foreign minister met his Russian counterpart in March—a rare high-level meeting involving Moscow and a European Union member.
“Many people in Slovakia are ashamed of the government’s orientation to Russia. This is the reason people are contributing,” said Zuzana Izsáková from the organizer “Peace for Ukraine” civil group (in Slovak: Mier Ukrajine).
The “Ammunition for Ukraine” drive had raised EUR 1.94 million (USD 2.07 million) after four days by midday on Friday, with more than 30,000 contributors, making an average donation of EUR 64, according to the initiative’s website.
Izsáková said fundraising would be open-ended, with proceeds going to the Czech ammunition drive, from which the first deliveries to Ukraine are expected in June.
“We will do everything we can so the people of Slovakia can fulfill their intention of helping Ukraine,” Czech TV cited Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala as saying on Thursday while in Brussels for an EU summit.
Source: Reuters
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