Drones play an important role in Russia's war in Ukraine. Ukraine uses them both in attacks, defense, and scouts. “There will never be enough drones,” said Alvis Lukša, a volunteer soldier from Latvia. Up to 1,000 drones can be used during the day.
To deliver more drones to Ukrainian defenders, the owner of the Pakruojis manor in Lithuania has set up an initiative where residents can paint birdhouses and they go to auction. Nearly 1,000 cages have now been painted and some €25,000 collected.
Giedrius Klimkevičius, owner of the Pakruojis Manor, said: “We started this campaign two weeks ago and we already have a record, we sold one birdcage painted by Aurimas Valujavičius, who crossed the Atlantic, for €15,000.”
First only well-known people from Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine participated but now everyone is invited to do so.
Actor Andris Bulis said: “The phrase which is often said that people are tired of war, of the news of war, touches me quite deeply in the sense that - how can we tire of being here? And there are people who are struggling, who have bullets flying at them, who go to work and run from those sirens to bunkers.”
The actor also stressed that this is a drone war, so it's important that anyone can put their effort into providing crucial help.
Drones are produced in Lithuania's RSI Europe - the plant is capable of producing up to 40,000 drones in a year.
The promoter emphasized that the aim is to raise at least EUR 300,000. That means at least 600 drones for Ukrainian defenders. To look at the auction and get involved in the act, residents are invited to visit the website of the Pakruojis Manor. All the bird cages will be available for exhibition on the Manor of Pakruojis throughout May before they reach their owners.
