The Czech Republic, together with other allied countries, took an important step towards supporting Ukraine in its defense efforts against Russian aggression by initiating the supply of a significant number of shells. However, according to The Guardian, the initiative is facing financial difficulties that could affect its implementation.
The Czech initiative to supply Ukraine with 800,000 projectiles by the end of the year will not be fully implemented if the countries that joined it do not provide more money, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Jan Lipavsky.
"We have secured financing for the supply of half a million units of large-caliber ammunition, which we will deliver by the end of this year," the politician said. However, he clarified that of the 18 countries that have signed up to the plan, three have yet to contribute. Lipavsky did not name the countries that have not yet fulfilled their obligations, but noted that because of them, the initiative does not add up to 300,000 ammunition.
The initiative is aimed at providing the Armed Forces with 155 mm caliber shells and other Soviet-style ammunition. At the same time, according to the minister, the first 45,000 shells arrived in Ukraine in June, another 100,000 will arrive in July and August, and "from September, these deliveries will accelerate." Countries that have agreed to the initiative will be asked to allocate additional funds by September so that the initiative can continue into 2025.
