Lithuanians fundraised €14 mln to buy radar for Ukraine's air defense
Citizens of Lithuania donated 14 million euros to purchase radars for Ukraine's armed forces, currently fighting against russian troops at the front.
Andrius Tapinas, the coordinator of the fundraising campaign, wrote on Twitter on Saturday, February 15.
What is the problem?
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, russia has constantly been striking regions of the country with missiles and drones. Ukraine needs more air defense and radars to protect the sky and detect enemy aircraft.
What is the solution?
"As the anniversary of the large-scale war approaches, the LRT TV and radio company, together with the organizations "Blue/Yellow," "Laisvės TV," "1K fondas" and "Stiprūs kartu" ("Strong together") invited Lithuanians to unite and participate in the "RADAROM" action.
Funds collected during the campaign will be used to purchase functional tactical radars," the fundraiser organizers said.
How does it work?
These air defense radars will help control the airspace around objects of strategic importance for Ukraine, such as power plants, water towers, and other objects.
Thus, the radars purchased by the Lithuanians will help Ukrainian air defense to protect the objects that provide a normal life for Ukrainians.
"14 million euros from Lithuanians to buy radars to defend Ukraine. In four weeks. That's it from us. For now. We will be back," Tapinas wrote.
14 000 000 euro from Lithuanians to buy radars to defend Ukraine. In four weeks.
That's it from us. For now.
We will be back pic.twitter.com/Nh7wiLeoyN
— Andrius Tapinas (@AndriusTapinas) February 24, 2023
The final amount almost tripled the original plan of 5 million euros. At the same time, one radar installation costs about 1 million euros.
It should be noted that in February, Ukraine received L-70 anti-aircraft guns from Lithuania. The Ukrainian military passed a two-week course on using these Swedish anti-aircraft guns in the country.
Lithuania also promised to hand over 36 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine to protect the sky from Iranian attack drones.
