Shell initiative for Ukraine: Czech public delivers verdict
Majority of Czechs support continued artillery aid for Ukraine (photo: facebook.com.ukroboronprom)
Most citizens in the Czech Republic support the ongoing artillery initiative supplying ammunition to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to a Kantar CZ survey cited by Ceskenoviny.
Read also: UK artillery shell plant for Ukraine delayed for months: What went wrong
Public support and backers' profile
The January 2026 poll shows that 62% of Czechs support continuing the "shell program," while 35% oppose it and 3% are undecided.
"Men, university students, and a much larger share of opposition party voters support the initiative—nearly 100% in agreement," Kantar CZ analyst Pavel Ranocha noted, highlighting a clear social and political profile among supporters.
Government stance, initiative's role
Despite strong public backing, the new government coalition led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has decided to change Prague's involvement.
The Czech Republic will no longer contribute directly to purchases but will remain a key logistical and organizational hub.
The program remains a crucial source of firepower for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
President Petr Pavel emphasized that the initiative provides half of Ukraine's supply of large-calibre ammunition.
Czech aid slows down
The Czech artillery initiative was launched in February 2024. Since then, the Ukrainian military has received over 4 million shells purchased on international markets through donor funding.
However, the program's continuation faces challenges due to Prague's political shift. Prime Minister Babiš has ruled out further direct funding from the Czech budget.
Logistical difficulties have also slowed deliveries, as some equipment and ammunition required extended repairs and refurbishment, causing delays in early 2026.
