Lithuania raises over a million euros for interceptor drones for Ukraine

Lithuanian volunteer organization Blue/Yellow has raised 1.3 million euros in eight weeks to purchase interceptor drones for Ukraine and Lithuania. Most of the funds will be used to support the Ukrainian military, while the rest will be used to strengthen Lithuania’s air defenses.

The organization announced this on Facebook.

The collection was part of the Dronaton campaign. According to its terms, 80% of the donations are intended for Ukrainian forces, and 20% for the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. The money will be used to purchase interceptor drones, counter-drone systems, and train operators.

“As planned, funds are allocated for air defense of both countries: 80% of the amount goes to Ukrainian forces, and 20% to the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. They are used to purchase interceptor drones, anti-drone systems, and finance operator training,” the post says.

Blue/Yellow noted that due to the intensification of Russian air attacks, they began using the collected money even before the end of the campaign. In particular, four Lithuanian Defender interceptor drones have already been transferred to the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, and another 12 to the Ukrainian military.

The head of the organization, Laura Pauste, emphasized that the gathering was a response to the growing air threat to Ukraine, as well as an aid to increasing Lithuania’s defense readiness.

“During the eight weeks of the campaign, air attacks against Ukraine have significantly intensified, with the air threat in Kyiv lasting for over eleven days in September alone. Dronaton is our timely response to this threat, as well as a contribution to Lithuania’s preparedness,” said Blue/Yellow leader Laura Pauste.

The volunteer organization Blue/Yellow has been operating since 2014. It provides Ukrainian military and civilians with material, technological, and medical assistance. Over the 12 years of its operation, the organization has provided Ukraine with support worth over 116 million euros.

It was previously reported that Lithuania will deploy troops to the border with the Russian Kaliningrad region in the coming weeks to strengthen security.

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