By Blessing Nweke
A crowdfunding campaign in Slovakia has surpassed its goal of €1 million (£850 million) in less than 48 hours after its launch. The initiative aims to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine, in response to the Slovak cabinet’s decision not to participate in a similar effort led by the Czech government.
The campaign was initiated by Otto Simko, a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor and veteran of the 1944 Slovak National Uprising against the Nazis. Simko, driven by his experiences during World War II, expressed the urgency of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. “We have to drive Putin out of Ukraine. We have to defeat him,” he stated
The idea of crowdfunding Slovak assistance for Kyiv emerged from a conversation Simko had with a journalist and a philosopher. It provides an avenue for Slovaks to circumvent their government’s stance on providing aid to Ukraine.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has rejected joining the Czech initiative, arguing that arming Ukraine prolongs the conflict and advocating for peace negotiations with Moscow instead. However, the crowdfunding campaign reflects the dissent within Slovak society against the government’s foreign policy.
Zuzana Izsakova from the “Peace to Ukraine” initiative, which is coordinating the campaign, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. Over 23,000 individuals have contributed more than €1.5 million euros, with funds directed to the Czech government’s procurement of artillery ammunition for Ukraine.
While the Slovak government has not publicly addressed the campaign, Defence Minister Robert Kalinak emphasized Slovakia’s democratic principles, acknowledging people’s freedom to support causes as they choose. The government focuses on providing alternative assistance to Kyiv, such as demining equipment.
The Czech ammunition initiative, serving as an intermediary for EU and NATO partners, aims to alleviate Ukraine’s shortage of artillery ammunition. Praised by allies including President Joe Biden, the project has already secured contracts for hundreds of thousands of rounds, with more expected in the coming months.
However, the initiative faces strategic ambiguity and logistical challenges. It remains unclear which countries are providing the shells, raising concerns about potential ties to Moscow. Despite these uncertainties, Simko and other supporters remain steadfast in their commitment to aiding Ukraine’s fight against totalitarianism.
Simko, drawing parallels to historical appeasement, emphasized the importance of confronting Putin’s aggression. “If we don’t defeat Putin, he will be a threat not only to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren but to Slovakia and the entire world,” he asserted.
As the crowdfunding campaign continues beyond its initial goal, it serves as a testament to the solidarity and resilience of Slovaks in supporting Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty and peace.
