Czech citizens have collected the first two million crowns for a Premysl rocket launcher in a record-breaking time of just four hours. The Premysl rocket launcher is intended to be used by the Ukrainian military. The project, called the Gift for Putin, was started by entrepreneur Dalibor Dedek in May 2021 under the aegis of the Defence Ministry, and has already raised money to buy a tank and an air defence system.

The total sum necessary to buy the rocket launcher and 365 rockets is 50 million crowns. The RM-70 rocket launcher is a mobile reactive artillery weapon that can fire individual rounds or volleys. Czech ammunition producer STV Group has already started modernizing and rebuilding the rocket launcher to meet the Ukrainians’ needs, and the launcher is expected to be prepared for sending in by the end of April.

The Gift for Putin group will collect the money and pass it on to the Ukrainian embassy once the entire required sum is collected. The initiative is intended to help the Ukrainian military in their struggle against Russian aggression. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia began in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists in the eastern part of Ukraine. Since then, the conflict has claimed over 13,000 lives and displaced over 1.6 million people.

The Gift for Putin project is a unique initiative that enables Czech citizens to show their support for Ukraine in a tangible way. The fact that the project has already raised money for a tank and an air defence system, and now for a rocket launcher, demonstrates the strong solidarity between the Czech Republic and Ukraine. The initiative also highlights the fact that Czech citizens are willing to take an active role in international affairs and support democracy and freedom.

However, the initiative has also been criticized by some people who question the legality and morality of buying weapons for another country’s military. Some argue that the initiative could escalate the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and lead to more violence and suffering. Others argue that the Czech Republic should focus on promoting peace and diplomacy, rather than buying weapons.

In conclusion, the Gift for Putin project is a unique initiative that demonstrates the strong solidarity between the Czech Republic and Ukraine. The fact that Czech citizens have raised money for a tank, an air defence system, and now a rocket launcher shows their willingness to take an active role in international affairs and support democracy and freedom. However, the initiative has also been criticized for its legality and morality. It remains to be seen whether the project will have a positive impact on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia or whether it will lead to more violence and suffering. Ultimately, the best way to resolve the conflict is through peaceful means, such as diplomacy and negotiation.

Article by Prague Forum