Czech foreign minister confirms extension of key ammunition program for Ukraine
Photo: Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (facebook.com)
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, during a briefing with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, said that Czechia plans to extend the so-called ammunition initiative launched by the previous government of Petr Fiala, which allows Ukraine to continue receiving artillery shells and other types of weapons.
“I have become an ambassador of good deeds — for the continuation of the ammunition initiative, which is extremely important for Ukraine. I am glad that we managed to find a compromise and reach a consensus that will ensure the continuation of the ammunition initiative,” Macinka said during the briefing.
According to him, during the meeting with Sybiha, they also discussed the supply of much-needed military equipment to Ukraine and invited Czech businesses to take part in these deliveries.
The Czech foreign minister also commented on the peace process that could end the war in Ukraine, confirming that he had been informed of negotiations between Ukraine and the United States.
“I understood whether we should view this optimistically or pessimistically, so my attitude will be more realistic. I see that Ukraine has a strong interest in peace, and I see that it is ready,” Macinka noted.
Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka arrived in Ukraine on January 9. This is his first visit to Ukraine. It is known that the minister’s train was delayed due to another massive Russian attack on Ukrainian cities.
Czech ammunition initiative
In 2024, Czechia organized an initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine. Funding was provided by a large number of Western countries. Thanks to the Czech effort, Ukraine began receiving significant quantities of ammunition, primarily for artillery.
Throughout 2025, Czechia supplied the Ukrainian military with 1.8 million rounds of ammunition. The initial plan had been to deliver, at best, 1.5 million rounds. The supplies consist exclusively of large-caliber ammunition — artillery shells and mortar rounds.
The new Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš, repeatedly opposed continuing the ammunition initiative. In response, Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized that shutting down the initiative would have serious consequences, first and foremost for Czechia itself, and would also lead to an increase in casualties in Ukraine.
Following this, Babiš was forced to confirm that the ammunition supply initiative for Ukraine would continue, provided it is financed by other countries. In practice, this means that nothing will change.
