Today at 15:47
Prague’s international initiative to procure ammunition for Ukraine is at risk as former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš prepares for a political comeback, Financial Times reports.
The populist ANO party, which leads in opinion polls ahead of the October elections, has vowed to halt the Czech-led ammunition procurement program if it returns to power.
“We must stop the current practice,” said ANO’s deputy leader Karel Havlíček, criticizing the initiative for being led by the Czech government rather than NATO. He also questioned the quality and cost of the shells purchased under the program.
Last year, Czech President Petr Pavel, a former NATO commander, announced Prague would coordinate international purchases of artillery shells to replenish Ukraine’s dwindling stockpiles. Ukrainian officials have praised the initiative, despite reports that a small number of shells were of poor quality.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha thanked Prague last month for delivering up to 80% of the promised ammunition in 2024.
Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Eduard Hulicius confirmed that in 2023, 520,000 155mm shells were delivered to Ukraine, with 300,000 more planned for next year. However, Prague has struggled to secure funding and compete with Russia in the global arms market.
Czechoslovak Group, Central Europe’s largest munitions supplier, said it had fulfilled nearly all its commitments, citing logistical challenges as the main cause of delivery delays. Meanwhile, other defense industry leaders warned that Europe remains too dependent on third countries for large-caliber munitions.
Babiš, who served as Czech Prime Minister until 2021, has been criticized for his pro-Kremlin leanings. The current government fears his return could strengthen ties with leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Slovakia’s Robert Fico, and Austria’s likely next chancellor Herbert Kickl.
Havlíček suggested that the entire debate on ammunition could become irrelevant if Donald Trump secures a ceasefire with Russia.
“They should start peace talks. The more we drag out the conflict, the worse it will be for Ukraine,” he said.
Read also: Georgescu Clarifies His Territorial Claims Against Ukraine
