Lithuanians raise money to buy drone for Ukraine

Hundreds of Lithuanians are donating money to buy a sophisticated military drone to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, in a show of solidarity with the country.

In just three days, 3m euros have been raised – out of a total of 5m euros needed – mainly through a small contribution, according to the Lithuanian network Laisves TV, which launched the effort.

“Before this war started, none of us thought we would buy weapons. But now it’s normal. Something has to be done to unite the world,” said Agnie Belickaite, 32, who sent 100 euros on Wednesday. the fundraising effort began.

“I have been donating arms to Ukraine for some time. And I will continue to do so until victory,” she told Reuters, adding that one of the reasons for her decision to send money was the fear that Russia might attack. in Lithuania.

“While the governments of the world’s largest countries are consulting endlessly; Lithuanian society is simply coming together and, you know, is going to raise € 5 million and buy the drone – which is an impressive message to the world,” Belitskaite said. .

The drone has proved effective in recent years against Russian forces and their allies in conflicts in Syria and Libya, and its purchase is being coordinated by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, which told Reuters it was preparing a letter of intent to buy from Turkey.

Ukraine has bought more than 20 armed Bayraktar TB2 drones from the Turkish company Baykar in recent years and ordered another 16 drones on January 27. This lot was delivered in early March.

“This is the first time in history that ordinary people have raised money to buy something like Bayraktar. It is unprecedented, it is unbelievable,” Besta Petro, Ukraine’s ambassador to Lithuania, told Laisves television.