The Czech Republic’s “A Gift for Putin” volunteer initiative may sound like it was meant for the Russian leader, but it was actually raising funds for war-torn Ukraine.
Since its launch in November 2023, Czechs have raised 72.3 million koruna ($2.9 million) from over 20,500 donors. The funds will go towards purchasing a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to support Ukraine’s war effort.
“Ukraine cannot win the war with drones or ammunition alone. It also needs tanks, aircraft, howitzers — and helicopters for special operations,” the campaign’s website reads.
The rotary-wing aircraft is expected to be delivered later this month.
Once delivered, the Black Hawk will be used by Ukraine’s military intelligence unit for transporting soldiers and evacuating casualties.
‘Urgently Needed’
The UH-60 Black Hawk is a versatile, twin-engine helicopter capable of transporting troops, delivering supplies, and supporting search-and-rescue missions, even in contested environments.
With a payload capacity of 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms), it can carry up to 12 fully-equipped troops and both internal and external loads.
It also has a top speed of 290 kilometers per hour (180 miles per hour) and an operational range of 370 miles (595 kilometers), depending on load.
According to the campaign, the Black Hawk is a new asset Ukraine urgently needs to combat invading Russian forces.
“Let’s finish what we started together and send Chestmir to fight against the dark Empire,” it stated.
With this initiative, the Czech Republic becomes the first country where citizens have raised money to finance a new helicopter for Ukraine.
