Czechia Raises Over 12 Million Crowns in Just Two Days to Support Ukrainian Armed Forces via ‘Flamingo’ Missile Fundraiser
In an unprecedented display of solidarity and generosity, Czech citizens managed to raise over 12.6 million Czech crowns within just two days to purchase a Ukrainian cruise missile called ‘Flamingo.’ The initiative was launched by the organization Dárek pro Putina (‘A Gift for Putin’), which announced the fundraising campaign on Tuesday.
By Thursday, the target amount was completely collected, setting a record for such efforts.
The missile was named DANA1 in honor of Ukrainian nuclear physicist and researcher Dany Drabova, who passed away at the beginning of October and was a strong supporter of Ukraine.
According to the organizers, they initially aimed to raise this sum within a week, but astonishingly, they achieved it in only 48 hours, surpassing all their expectations.
Martin Ondracek, the campaign organizer, stated in an interview with Novinky that he is already entering negotiations with the missile manufacturer regarding the next phase of fundraising, hinting at a possible surprise for donors.
Additionally, organizers revealed that Ukrainian engineers have developed their own missile capable of reaching Moscow — over 3000 kilometers — and inquired about acquiring it and dedicating it to Dany Drabova.
The manufacturer agreed, and the missile’s cost was specially calculated for this purpose.
Following payment, the missile will be handed over to Ukrainian armed forces, with Kyiv determining the timing and target.
During the first 24 hours, about 5 million crowns were raised, and within 40 hours, the total exceeded 9 million.
Ultimately, the goal of 12.5 million crowns was achieved very rapidly.
Last summer, the same organization raised 60 million crowns (approximately 2.4 million euros) to purchase six D-30 artillery systems for Ukraine.
Currently, the company Fire Point produces two to three ‘Flamingo’ cruise missiles daily, and plans are in place to continue manufacturing according to schedule to meet Ukrainian military needs.