According to project organizers, the Czech grassroots initiative Gift for Putin (Dárek pro Putina) plans to file a criminal complaint for defamation against a social media user operating under the profile name Thomas Paukner. The dispute centers on unverified online claims alleging that the initiative failed to deliver a promised UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter named Čestmír to the Ukrainian armed forces, a charge organizers strongly reject while detailing strict wartime operational security measures.
Dispute Over the UH-60A Black Hawk Helicopter Čestmír
The controversy began when the profile Thomas Paukner published statements on social media asserting that Gift for Putin had not delivered the crowdfunded Black Hawk helicopter shown publicly on Letná plain in Prague, according to project co-founder and lead organizer Martin Ondráček. In response to the backlash, the anonymous account deleted the original post. However, the profile continues to question the delivery, citing the initiative’s decision not to publish identification numbers or tracking data for the aircraft.
Ondráček explained that halfway through the fundraising campaign—which ultimately raised over 72 milionů korun—the Ukrainian side offered an alternative, less expensive machine located overseas. Because the original fundraising progressed slower than anticipated, organizers purchased the alternative Black Hawk from an American supplier previously in contact with Ukrainian officials. The aircraft was flown through Poland and is currently operated by Ukrainian military intelligence, according to Ondráček.
Wartime Operational Security and Identification Restrictions
Addressing criticisms regarding the lack of public tracking data, Ondráček stated that publishing serial numbers or identifying marks during an active war creates severe security risks. According to the organizer, warring nations do not broadcast production numbers of critical military hardware because adversaries attempt to track and target specific assets using minor details such as scratches. While the helicopter originally displayed on Letná carried a registration number, that requirement only applied because it operated legally within the Czech Republic before export; any identifying marks on the Ukrainian-bound aircraft were removed.
Did you know? Gift for Putin has raised around 1,58 miliardy korun since May 2022, acquiring thousands to tens of thousands of pieces of ammunition, drones, hundreds of vehicles, and heavy equipment like an RM-70 multiple rocket launcher.
Legal Action and Planned Complaints Against Social Media Users
Gift for Putin intends to file a criminal complaint against the anonymous Thomas Paukner account for defamation in the coming days, followed by a formal civil lawsuit once law enforcement identifies the individual behind the profile. Organizers also noted that European Parliament member Tomáš Zdechovský (KDU-ČSL) filed a separate criminal complaint against Member of Parliament Denis Doksanský (ANO) for sharing the Paukner allegations online. Ondráček confirmed that while he is generally hesitant to target politicians legally, the initiative is currently conducting a legal analysis and gathering evidence to stop the spread of unverified claims.
To substantiate the delivery, organizers maintain that they possess official purchase orders, shipping manifests, and handover photographs confirming the aircraft’s transfer. Furthermore, the helicopter is officially listed on Ukrainian military inventories, and project leaders stated they are fully prepared to submit these documents in court if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Gift for Putin deliver the Black Hawk helicopter to Ukraine?
Yes. According to co-founder Martin Ondráček, organizers purchased a similar, cost-effective UH-60A Black Hawk from the United States after a mid-campaign agreement with Ukrainian partners. The aircraft was transported via Poland and is currently utilized by Ukrainian military intelligence.
Why are the identification numbers of the helicopter not public?
Organizers state that publishing serial numbers or tracking data during wartime compromises operational security, allowing Russian forces to track and target specific military assets.
What legal steps are organizers taking against critics?
Gift for Putin is preparing a criminal complaint for defamation against the anonymous profile Thomas Paukner, with plans to pursue a civil lawsuit once law enforcement identifies the person responsible.
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