“Love from Toronto.”
“Putin … with loathing from Canada.”
“Liam from Canada says F—k you Putin.”
The rockets Ukrainian forces have been firing at the Russian army in recent weeks have carried taunting messages from Canadians.
Photos taken by Ukrainian troops show inscriptions requested by Canadians on artillery, mortar and howitzer shells.
They are part of a fundraising campaign that allows donors to brand Ukrainian rockets launched into Russian-held territory.
In exchange for a pledge, Ukrainian troops will pen a donor’s words on a shell and shoot it at Russian positions.
Afterwards, the sponsor gets a photo of the shell and video of it firing. The donations are used to buy equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Soldiers at the front lines will write your message in permanent marker on an artillery shell,” the fundraising website says. “Wish someone a happy birthday. Ask for a date … Send greetings to Putin.”
Depending on the type of munitions, minimum pledges range from $150 to $2,000. According to the website, the process takes two weeks.
“It felt like a small revenge,” said Nika, a Ukrainian-Canadian from Manitoba who participated. Global News is identifying her by her first name only due to security concerns.
She said her 86-year-old grandfather still lives in Ukraine and has to hide in a bomb shelter due to Russian attacks. “We feel helpless watching this horrific war unfold,” she said.
The message she put on the rocket read: “Glory to Ukraine. Canada is with you.”
