NATO says Czechia finds large number of heavy-calibre shells for Ukraine, fundraising continues
The Czech initiative to procure weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine on markets in other countries has found significantly more shells than initially expected.
Source: a senior NATO military official during a conversation with journalists at NATO headquarters, speaking on condition of anonymity
Details: The Czech initiative, which was launched in 2024 and became one of the key sources of Ukraine's shell supplies, was called into question after a change of government. However, Prague later announced it would continue deliveries. NATO emphasised that the work is indeed ongoing.
The general serving within the Alliance's structures confirmed that the Czech initiative was still active and that there had been political statements at the highest level on the Czech side indicating that they would continue to coordinate the initiative.
The Alliance representative also stressed that Prague had reported a "significantly larger number of shells than expected" found on the market.
"To give you a number, the ammo available on the market is worth €16 billion. And what we intend to use and supply to Ukraine is a minimum of €5 billion," he explained.
Procurement under the Czech initiative is financed through contributions from Ukraine's partner states. The official underlined that fundraising is progressing rather quickly.
"For the moment, we have committed €1.4 billion in 2026 – and we are still in January. So I think it's a good start," they said.
Previously, NATO and Prague made statements regarding the number of shells to be procured for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Now, the Alliance is focusing on financial rather than quantitative commitments.
"I'm not using concrete numbers, but I would say hundreds of thousands of ammunition rounds of large calibre," the official said in response to a question from European Pravda.
Background:
- Despite continuing the Czech shell initiative, the Czech government has announced a reduction in its own spending on aid.
- Ukraine is also affected by internal political conflicts in Czechia. In particular, Prague's refusal to transfer aircraft to Ukraine was an act of political retaliation against the president by one of the parties.
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