Ukraine receives artillery shells funded by a Slovak crowdfunding initiative
Ukraine has received 122 tons of artillery shells, funded by 4 million euros from 70,000 Slovak citizens, after official Bratislava completely cut off military aid for Ukraine.
Slovakia’s crowdfunding initiative has successfully delivered artillery ammunition to Ukraine, funded by 4 million euros donated by Slovak citizens. The ammunition, weighing 122 tons, was transported to Ukraine by six trucks on 7 October 2024, Noviny.sk reported.
Fedor Blaščák, the initiator of the fundraising campaign, stated,
“What we can say is that it’s 135 pallets, 122 tons of ammunition, and it was transported by six trucks.”
The ammunition was delivered to a large logistics warehouse, from where it was collected by Ukraine.
The fundraising campaign, titled “Ammunition for Ukraine,” became the most successful in Slovakia’s history, raising over 4 million euros in just three weeks. Approximately 70,000 Slovak citizens contributed to the initiative.
Marián Kulich, a partner of the “Peace for Ukraine” campaign, said,
“Today, 7 October, is a big day that we’ve been waiting for since we launched the ammunition fundraiser.” He added, “This was a clear message from Slovaks. 70,000 Slovaks contributed to this collection and continue to make regular donations for ammunition so that Ukraine can defend itself against the aggressor.”
Blaščák emphasized the significance of the donation, stating,
“We donated more, per capita, than Canada, than Iceland, than Slovenia.”
The campaign gained international attention, with Ukrainian defenders expressing gratitude to Slovaks for their support.
Of the 4.5 million euros collected, 4 million have been used for this ammunition delivery. The remaining 500,000 euros will be used for a new contract to supply smaller grenades for grenade launchers, expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
Otto Šimko, a Slovak National Uprising participant, journalist, and supporter of the “Ammunition for Ukraine” campaign, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, saying,
“I’m glad that the work has been completed and that it has made a big difference.”
Slovak PM Robert Fico, since taking office last year, has blocked military aid to Ukraine, vetoed its NATO membership, and rejected the Czech initiative to buy shells for Ukraine. Despite Fico’s stance, Slovakia increased ammunition production, aiming to produce 200,000 large-caliber shells next year, some of which are reportedly ending up in Ukraine.
Related:
- Ukraine and Slovakia agree on East European energy hub
- Ukraine and Slovakia PMs meet in Uzhhorod to discuss energy and infrastructure
- Slovak Pro-Russain PM Fico vows to block Ukraine’s NATO membership
- First Slovak volunteer allegedly killed in action in Ukraine
- Slovakia boosts ammunition production, indirectly aiding Ukraine despite official stance
- Slovak PM Fico claims his anti-Ukrainian stance sparked his assassination attempt
- Slovaks raise €4 mn for Ukrainian ammo procurement in Czechia
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