According to Czech Deputy Defense Minister Jan Jireš, Ukraine is set to receive a significant boost with an impending delivery of 800,000 155mm artillery rounds.
The drive, relayed by Jireš to the Bloomberg news agency, marks a crucial step in bolstering Ukrainian defense capabilities as the nation grapples with a critical ammunition shortage.
The Czech-led effort involves several European countries, though details on financing and the origin of the stockpiles remain undisclosed until the munitions are successfully delivered to Kyiv.
The delivery is poised to provide a much-needed reprieve for Ukrainian forces, which have been significantly outgunned by Russian artillery, firing five times fewer shells daily.
The urgency of the situation was underscored at the Munich Security Conference in mid-February, where Czech President Petr Pavel announced the discovery of a potential artillery ammunition source for Ukraine, contingent upon allied funding.
This revelation prompted discussions among EU countries to establish an EUR 1.5 billion fund to support the purchase of these munitions, as reported by Britain's Financial Times.
An international conference in Paris further solidified the initiative, with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announcing the participation of around 15 countries, including significant pledges from the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada.
Support has also been pledged by Denmark, Britain and Sweden, showcasing a collective effort to address Ukraine's pressing need for artillery shells.
Meanwhile, Germany has reportedly engaged in confidential negotiations with India, a country with substantial munitions reserves, to secure additional supplies for Ukraine without jeopardizing India's relationship with Russia.
The Politico news service has said its sources have hinted at potential deals with countries from the Arab world, Africa, the Balkans, South Korea, Turkey and South Africa.
(jh/gs)
Source: RMF24, Bloomberg, Financial Times, Politico