Lithuanian volunteers unveil new fundraising campaign "Radarom!" to support Ukrainian soldiers
Lithuanian organizations Laisvės TV, Blue/Yellow, "Strong Together," the national broadcaster LRT, and public figure and journalist Rita Miliūtė announced the launch of a new campaign.
"Radarom!" is set to support Ukraine and last till February 24, Rubryka reports, referring to LRT.
What's the problem?
Lithuania, which borders Russia in the east, understands that their country can only be safe to the extent that they can stop the Russian state, which seeks to subjugate its neighbors. Russian officials and propaganda journalists have repeatedly stated on public TV that Russia's goal is to invade not only Ukraine but also the Baltic states — Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia — which experienced the Soviet-Russian occupation from the 1940s to 1990s. They never wanted to lose their independence again.
What's the solution?
The only solution many Lithuanians see is to help Ukraine repel the enemy, make Russia lose, and stop the aggressor's imperial plans.
Lithuanian organizations Blue/Yellow, Laisvės TV, "Strong Together," the national broadcaster LRT, and public figure and journalist Rita Miliūtė have announced a new fundraising campaign, "Radarom!" to support Ukrainian soldiers.
"They say sequels are weaker, but actions to support Ukraine do not weaken. 'Radarom! 2024' will be a triple victory — we will provide essential equipment for the front, support Lithuanian producers, and show that the Lithuanian people are still ready to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine," said Andrius Tapinas, founder of the internet television "Laisvės TV."
Organizers invited everyone willing to donate to support Ukrainian soldiers fighting for the freedom of Ukraine and all of Europe during the campaign, which runs until February 24. The funds collected will go towards purchasing the Lithuanian-made "Safe Soldier Kit."
How does it work?
Such a kit will consist of a night vision monocular, a laser sight, and individual protection against drones.
All professional equipment is manufactured in Lithuania by Brolis Semiconductors and NT Service companies. The cost of one kit is €7,500.
"These Lithuanian-made devices not only allow us to see the enemy in the dark but also protect our lives from Russian drones. Let's deliver the Lithuanian freedom set to Ukraine," said Jonas Öhman, founder of the Blue/Yellow Foundation.
Anyone willing to contribute to the campaign in support of Ukraine can call the special short number 1485 – the donation is €5.
You can also visit the special website radarom.lt and make a bank transfer, indicating "radarom" in the "purpose" box for the donation.
Initiator of the "Strong Together" project, Edmundas Jakilaitis, called on Lithuanian business organizations to join the campaign, as they did last year. All donors will be listed on the radarom.lt website.
"Rational businessmen understand well that their business in Lithuania can only be safe to the extent that they can stop the Russian state, which seeks to subjugate its neighbors. If we want to continue to create freely, implement our ideas, and carry out various projects in Lithuania, 'Radarom!' is the ideal way to preserve this and contribute to the victory of Ukraine and a safer Lithuania," Jakilaitis noted.
The campaign in support of Ukrainian soldiers "Radarom!" will conclude with a special broadcast on February 24, the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, on television, radio, and the LRT portal.
In the evening, a final charity concert will take place on the LRT television channel.
Rubryka reported last year that the Lithuanian coalition of four initiatives to support Ukraine began collecting €5 million for five modern air defense radars for Ukraine's Armed Forces.
During the "Radarom!" campaign in 2023, €14 million was raised, which bought 16 radars for Ukraine. The campaign lasted from late January to February 24 and was organized by the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT and the organizations Blue/Yellow, Laisvės TV, 1K Fund, and Strong Together.