In an extraordinary act of solidarity, thousands of Czech citizens have raised millions of euros to support Ukraine’s ongoing battle against Russia. The surge in donations, which began in mid-February 2025, reached new heights following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington. Outraged by Trump’s public criticism of Ukraine, the Czech Citizens public has mobilized with overwhelming financial support for Ukraine’s war efforts.
One of the most notable campaigns spearheading this fundraising effort is “A Gift for Putin,” a Czech initiative that has raised over €2.9 million in less than two months. The campaign was specifically designed to support Ukraine’s military by purchasing vital military equipment, and the funds will go toward acquiring a Black Hawk helicopter. This crowdfunded effort has not only showcased Czech Citizens support for Ukraine but also led to the country becoming the first to crowdfund a military helicopter for the embattled nation.
The Surge in Donations: A Response to Trump’s Showdown
The crowdfunding initiative saw a dramatic increase in donations following Trump’s controversial remarks toward Zelenskyy. The former president’s dismissal of Ukraine’s efforts and the tense exchange in Washington seemed to push many Czech Citizens to act. Martin Ondráček, a representative of the “Gift for Putin” initiative, commented that many Czechs felt compelled to donate in response to the mounting pressure from international figures like Trump.
With more than 20,500 individual donors—including both private citizens and businesses—the funds raised by this Czech Citizens initiative are significant. As a result, the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter will soon be deployed to aid Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) in evacuating soldiers and conducting special operations. Czech Citizens officials and citizens alike have expressed their outrage at the global treatment of Ukraine, with many arguing that the country’s struggle resonates deeply with the Czech Republic due to shared historical experiences of oppression.
The Black Hawk Helicopter: A Critical Addition to Ukraine’s Defense
The crowdfunded Black Hawk helicopter is set to be a pivotal addition to Ukraine’s military capabilities. Unlike other forms of military aid, the Black Hawk will serve as a multi-functional asset for special operations and soldier evacuations, offering enhanced air mobility for Ukraine’s forces. It is intended for use by Ukraine’s military intelligence, which has been instrumental in coordinating counterattacks and intelligence-gathering missions.
The funds raised in the Czech Republic will be used to purchase the helicopter from the United States, where it is more affordable than it would be in the Czech Republic. Beyond this donation, however, there is a broader push for Ukraine to receive more complex military hardware, such as tanks, aircraft, and howitzers, which are essential for continuing the fight against Russia. While drones and ammunition play a vital role in modern warfare, Czech Citizens supporters stress that a well-rounded military effort requires a diverse range of equipment, including helicopters for specialized missions like the one being funded.
Grassroots Support and Growing Solidarity with Ukraine
The crowdfunding campaign for the Black Hawk helicopter is just one example of the growing grassroots movement in the Czech Republic to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. According to Jan Heřmánek, from the charity organization Team4Ukraine, the rise in donations reflects a broader sense of empathy and historical resonance. He notes that Czechs are particularly attuned to Ukraine’s suffering, given the country’s own experiences with Soviet oppression and a brutal occupation.
This rising support is not limited to just one campaign; other humanitarian and military aid organizations have also seen significant spikes in donations. For instance, Czech efforts have included the donation of military-grade vehicles and advanced UAV systems. These contributions demonstrate a unified national effort to ensure Ukraine has the resources needed to fend off Russian aggression. “There’s a clear sense that Czech Citizens don’t want to let the weaker side fall when it is being treated with such hostility,” said Heřmánek. “They understand Ukraine’s trauma because we’ve been through similar historical experiences.”
Czech Government Reinforces Support for Ukraine
While public fundraising efforts continue to pour in, the Czech government has also been vocal in its support for Ukraine. Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová made a high-profile visit to the Kharkiv region in Ukraine last weekend to reaffirm the Czech Republic’s commitment to military aid. Prime Minister Petr Fiala has also reiterated the importance of continued military support in bringing about a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. In remarks made ahead of his departure for a summit in London, Fiala stressed that military aid is crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, which will have a long-term impact on the region.
Czech Citizens officials have emphasized that this commitment goes beyond just donations; the country has been one of the first to provide heavy military equipment to Ukraine since the invasion began in 2022. From sending T-72 tanks and Mi-24 attack helicopters to approving military exports worth over €5 billion, the Czech Republic has played an integral role in supporting Ukraine’s defense. These combined efforts—both governmental and grassroots—highlight the Czech Republic’s deep solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
As Czech citizens continue to rally around Ukraine, their collective action serves as a powerful symbol of international unity in the fight against tyranny. The crowdfunded Black Hawk helicopter is just one part of a broader effort to ensure that Ukraine has the military tools it needs to survive and ultimately prevail in its war against Russia.
