How Slovaks are raising money to help Ukraine despite pro-Russian government

Politico reports.

The outlet highlighted how Slovaks bypass their government, donating money for military aid to Ukraine. With the country's pro-Russia Prime Minister Robert Fico refusing to sanction weapon supplies to Kyiv, around 46,000 individual donors have already raised nearly €2.9 million. They plan to purchase artillery ammunition from the global market for shipment to the front lines, following a program initiated by the Czech Republic.

“We will help Ukraine despite our pro-Russian government,” says the Slovak campaign.

“The first goal was €1 million, which seemed to be far away,” said Lucia Štasselová, a 65-year-old local councillor in Bratislava who helped set up the crowd-funding initiative Ammunition for Ukraine. “After seeing the huge solidarity from Slovaks, we dare to think bigger.”

The price per shell fluctuates, but industry experts estimate it at around 3500 euros per unit, meaning the Slovak initiative has already covered the cost of over 800 shells. The average contribution is approximately 62 euros, and according to Stasselova, the plan is to persuade donors to make regular contributions and also promote international donations.

The pace of payments in under a week puts the crowd-funding drive ahead of some governments. For example, Slovenia pledged €1 million to the Czech platform, while Latvia has paid €7 million and Sweden €30 million.

“We plan to keep going with the [fund] raising until people are willing to donate,” said Štasselová. “Every euro will be used for purchasing  ammunition and weapons for Ukraine.”