Volunteers from the Lithuanian organization Blue-Yellow gathered over EUR 140,000 in support of Ukraine at a charity concert which was held on the TV channel lrt.lt on 13 January.

Jonas Ohman, a Swedish-Lithuanian volunteer and journalist, wrote on his facebook page after the concert:

“Blue/Yellow proudly announces to the deeply concerned Western Hemisphere that the organization has managed to gather about 120 000 Euro to support Ukraine, at a charity concert, held at Lithuanian National TV on January 13th (the anniversary of the failed Soviet attempt to overthrow the Lithuanian government in 1991).”

The volunteer informs that the funds will be used both to support Ukrainian Armed Forces in their struggle against Russian aggression and the civilian population in Donbas area, suffering from the dire consequences of the war. An additional EUR 20,000 was donated after the concert ended.

The charity effort, named “Together Until Victory,” was supported by former Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus, who ran two terms prior to incumbent President Dalia Grybauskaite, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lithuanian Armed Forces and Ministry of Interior. In September 2016, Lithuania became the first country in the world to supply lethal military aid to Ukraine by transferring 150 tons of ammunition for Kalashnikov rifles.

“Blue/Yellow cordially thanks all its sponsors and supporters in Lithuania and other countries. By next week we will initiate related support efforts, of both military and humanitarian character,” Ohman informed, inviting to join the efforts at the organization’s site.

During the concert, scenes from the hotspots of the front in Donbas were shown to the audience, and Ukrainian servicemen who are currently receiving medical treatment were invited to speak from the stage.

This is not the first charity concert from the Baltic countries gathering funds to support Ukraine. In October 2014, the Estonian volunteer organization Vaba Ukraina organized a charity concert which gathered EUR 200,000.

Blue/Yellow is a grassroots movement based in Lithuania who are connected to a wide range of Ukrainian units and volunteer organizations. They provide personal protection to Ukrainian military units of all kinds. Read more about them in our list Verified ways to help Ukraine.