Czech Republic Seizes Opportunity to Procure Shells for Ukraine

12 March, 2024 152mm artillery projectiles. Photo from open sources The Czech Republic announced the possibility of purchasing another 200,000 artillery shells for Ukraine.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that the Czech Republic is able to organize this purchase. According to him, they may purchase an additional 200,000 artillery shells from third countries. Fiala noted that 18 countries have joined the initiative to purchase artillery shells for the Ukrainian army and called it a great success.

"This is yet another proof that the Czech Republic is a fully active player in European security policy," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo credits: president.gov.ua

Czech President Petr Pavel announced the possibility of purchasing artillery shells for Ukrainians from third countries in mid-February at the Munich Security Conference. According to Czech President Petr Pavel, the country's officials managed to find about 500,000 155-mm artillery shells and 300,000 122-mm shells abroad.

Petr Fiala noted that over the past two years, the Czech Republic has supplied Ukraine with more than a million units of large-caliber ammunition. According to Fiala, the initiative to obtain additional shells from third countries is a relatively simple mechanism, but it requires know-how.

155mm artillery shells. Photo from open sources

"This will bring real results for Ukrainian defense and will be able to provide it with additional support when European countries do not yet have sufficient capacity for their own production," the Czech Prime Minister said.

On March 8, 2024, it became known that, despite the Czech President's statements, the international community has financed only a third of the 800,000 shells promised for Ukraine.

The allies have managed to raise enough money to purchase the first batch of 300,000 artillery shells.