Ukrainians thank Slovak people for supporting ammunition fundraising after government refuses to join Czech initiative

This is stated in an open letter initiated by the Ukrainian Institute for Central European Strategy and signed by well-known Ukrainian public figures, writers, military and journalists.

"Dear Slovak people, dear Otto, all those who initiated, support and have already joined the fundraising for ammunition for Ukraine organised by the Mier Ukrajine team! Dear friends! We are touched and incredibly grateful for your support in this extremely difficult time for the Ukrainian people, Europe and all of humanity," the letter reads.
 
"Representatives of Ukrainian civil society and culture, as well as those who are defending Ukraine directly at the front, have joined in the gratitude for the civic collection, which in seven days has exceeded three million euros, aimed at purchasing artillery ammunition for the Ukrainian army.

In the letter, Ukrainians emphasise that they did not start, did not want and do not want this war and want peace more than anyone else. 

"But this is our war, a war for the right to live, for Ukraine's independence, for freedom and Europe. In this tragic and decisive time, we are happy to know that the Slovak people, each of you, have been standing by our side, helping us, since the first day of this unprovoked genocidal Russian aggression. 

The signatories of the letter emphasise that the initiative of the Slovaks is valuable primarily because of the choice made by the Slovak people to "support the Ukrainian political nation in its struggle for what unites all peoples of good will". 

"We want you to be proud of yourselves, to believe in your own strengths and deeds. After all, you are on the right side of history. Together with you, we are creating a new history of Europe and the world," the letter reads.

The Ukrainians add that although it's not even about numbers, at a time when every bullet and shell is fateful for Ukraine, "more than 3 million euros in a few days by more than 50,000 Slovaks is an impressive and inspiring story that demonstrates the wisdom, strength and unity of Slovak civil society." 

"The spirit of freedom and democratic values have always united us. We are not just neighbours, we are like-minded people, partners and allies. Ukraine will never get tired of thanking the Slovaks, because what you are doing now is priceless. Glory to the Slovak people! We thank you and we will repay you!" Ukrainians add.

The letter from the Ukrainian public to the Slovak people has already been signed by three dozen citizens, including Oleksandra Matviychuk, a human rights activist and head of the Centre for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, a journalist and former prisoner of the Izolyatsia torture chamber in Donetsk, Stanislav Aseyev, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Vitaliy Portnikov, a political commentator, journalist and TV presenter; Yaroslav Hrytsak, a historian and professor at the Ukrainian Catholic University; Vitaliy Dyachuk, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and editor-in-chief of the Central Europe media outlet Infopost; and Vitaliy Dyachuk, a public figure, co-president of the Association of Jewish Organisations and Communities (Vaad) of Ukraine Joseph Zissels, former Soviet political prisoner, member of the First of December Initiative Group, advisor to the rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University Myroslav Marynovych, journalist, serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Pavlo Kazarin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in 2014-2019 Pavlo Klimkin, writers Yuriy Andrukhovych, Serhiy Zhadan, Oksana Zabuzhko, Andriy Lyubka, film director and military man, former political prisoner of the Kremlin Oleg Sentsov, founder of Ajax Systems Oleksandr Konotopskyi, co-founder of the Holding of Emotions ! FEST Holding, entrepreneur Yuriy Nazaruk, editor-in-chief of the online media outlet Ukrainska Pravda Sevgil Musayeva, soldier of the 128th Self-Propelled Artillery Division Viktor Troshki, Sergeant of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, "Professor from the Trench" Fedir Shandor and others. All signatures can be seen in the photo below (click on the photo to enlarge the image)

The Slovak media noticed the letter of gratitude from Ukrainians. News about it was published by such well-known websites as aktuality.sk and svet.sme.sk.

Slovak citizens raise over EUR 3 mln for purchase of ammunition for Ukraine

More than 20 countries joined the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine, but the Slovak government did not participate in the campaign, stating that the conflict "has no military solution" and that sending weapons to Ukraine "will only prolong the war".

Therefore, the Slovaks decided to help Ukraine on their own. Citizens of Slovakia who did not support their government's position organised the Munícia pre Ukrajinu gathering. 

"Let's prove that Slovakia is not a coward and is on the right side of history. We will help Ukraine, despite our pro-Russian government," the authors of the collection said.

As of 19:00 on Tuesday, April 23, more than 3.5 million euros have been raised.