Czech initiative eases ammunition shortage: Ukraine may receive another 1.8 million shells

"The Czech Republic is trying to supply ammunition; this is our initiative. We are doing everything to make sure Russia is not as successful on the battlefield. We know that thanks to our initiative, the ratio has changed to 2:1 against Russia," Pavel said.

The Czech President assured that his country would continue supplying shells to Ukraine for as long as needed, "until a just peace is achieved."

Another 1.8 million shells and school

Zelenskyy, for his part, emphasized that the "Czech initiative" is working "brilliantly" for Ukraine.

"Last year you really helped us a lot with artillery shells. And we are counting on our cooperation being productive this year as well. We discussed that 1.8 million shells may be supplied this year. This is a very strong decision," Zelenskyy noted.

The Ukrainian President added that tomorrow, May 5, a meeting will be held between Ukrainian representatives and Czech defense companies, during which specifics on the deliveries will be discussed.

Czech initiative

Last year Czech President Petr Pavel announced that his country had identified 800,000 shells available for purchase for Ukraine. Pavel clarified that the shells could be delivered within a few weeks, but funding was required.

Already by June 2024, Czechia reported that the first batch of artillery shells purchased through its initiative had arrived in Ukraine.

The reports recently revealed that within the framework of its initiative, Czechia will be able to provide Ukraine with the same amount of ammunition this year as in 2024.

Just a few days ago, Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová stated that the Czech ammunition supply initiative is ongoing. According to Černochová, 400,000 large-caliber rounds will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of April.

So far, Czechia has invested 1 billion Czech korunas into this initiative.