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Lithuania Raises IDR 223 Billion to Purchase 14 Radars for Ukraine. PHOTO/Bootcampmilitary
VILNIUS – Lithuania has donated USD 14.7 million (Rp 223 billion) to purchase air defense radars for Ukraine . This amount was collected in fundraising for a month, said the organizer, Saturday (25/2/2023).
Baltic state Lithuania, a member of the European Union and NATO, has been Ukraine’s main backer since it was invaded by Russia in February last year.
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“At this crucial moment, we must do everything possible to ensure our support for the Ukrainian people,” said President Gitanas Nauseda, as quoted by AFP.
The month-long fundraiser ends on Friday (24/2/2023), which is also the first anniversary of the Ukraine war. “The money raised will be used to buy 14 radars,” said the organiser.
“USD 14.7 million from Lithuanians to buy radars to protect Ukraine. In four weeks. This is from us. For now, we will return,” tweeted television presenter Andrius Tapinas, one of the organizers.
“We never expected such a result,” said Jonas Ohman, one of the main sponsors of the initiative happily.
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Ohman told Polish News Agency PAP that the radar can “detect all types, sizes and speeds of objects moving across the sky.”
A similar event was held in Lithuania last year and raised more than five million euros, which was used to purchase Turkish-made combat drones for Kiev. Lithuania hosts nearly 75,000 Ukrainian refugees and has pledged some 800 million euros in aid to Ukraine.
“Many call this a donation, but I say this is an investment for our security and that of our children,” Tapinas told AFP.
(esn)
