Czechia spearheads funding for crucial ammunition aid to Ukraine

Czechia has earmarked funds to support its initiative for buying ammunition for Ukraine, Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on March 27.

While the specific amount remains undisclosed, Fiala highlighted that 20 countries have joined this endeavor, Ceske Noviny reported on March 27.

This initiative promises a swift impact, with the ammunition expected to reach the battlefield in the coming weeks or months. "This wide-ranging initiative is vital for supplying Ukraine with the necessary ammunition for its defense," Fiala said. .

Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine: what we know so fa r?

The initiative gained public attention when Czech President  Petr Pavel floated the idea of purchasing 800,000 rounds of ammunition for Ukraine on Feb. 17. Ukrainian security sources, noted plans to procure these shells from South Korea and South Africa in a deal valued around $2 billion.

By March 7, the coalition of allies had pooled the required funds for the ammunition purchase. Reports from German tabloid Bild on March 11 suggested that the Czech Republic secured 800,000 artillery shells from various countries, anticipating delivery to Ukraine in mere weeks.

The ammunition might reach Ukraine by June, said Tomáš Pojar, the Czech Prime Minister's National Security Advisor,  on March 12. Echoing this sentiment, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced on March 13 that the artillery shells under the Czech initiative would soon bolster the front lines.

Read also:

• Lithuania backs Czech plan to buy artillery shells for Ukraine

• France joins Czech ammunition procurement initiative — Macron

• Poland joins Czech initiative to boost ammunition supplies to Ukraine

The Wall Street Journal reported on March 18 that the Czech Republic is looking for ammunition for Ukraine around the world, including among Russia's allies.

The Finnish government also decided on March 19 to allocate 30 million euros ($32.4 million) to Czechia's initiative to purchase ammunition.

A large amount of ammunition would be sent to Ukraine in the near future thanks to the Czech initiative, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on March 22.

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine