HUR chief thanks Czech citizens for purchasing helicopter for Ukrainian intelligence

Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry (HUR), Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, thanked Czech nationals who raised $3 million to purchase a Black Hawk UH-60 helicopter for the agency.

That’s according to the HUR press service, Ukrinform reports.

The Main Intelligence Directorate noted that within the framework of the Czech volunteer initiative Darek pro Putina ("Gift for Putin"), 20,642 people donated to a fundraiser to buy a military helicopter for Ukrainian defense intelligence.

"We express gratitude to each and every one who took part in this fundraiser, we thank the people of the Czech Republic – we feel your support and help throughout all three years of the full-scale war with Russia. To join efforts and buy a helicopter for our fighters is an unprecedented case that will definitely go down in history. Black Hawk is a reliable aircraft that has already proven how useful it is in war. We already have several of these in service, so another one is an important reinforcement for us," Budanov emphasized.

The project to raise money for the purchase of the Black Hawk UH-60 helicopter was launched in the Czech Republic in November 2023, the HUR recalled. Initially, the helicopter to be purchased was found in Europe, but later the organizers found a newer and cheaper Black Hawk in the USA.

"We thank all the good people around the world who continue to help Ukraine in its fight for freedom against Russian evil," Ukrainian intelligence stressed.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Czech citizens raised EUR 2.8 million to purchase a helicopter for Ukrainian intelligence.