Today at 14:41
Germany will provide an additional €300 million to the Czech-led initiative supplying ammunition to Ukraine.
The announcement was made in Berlin by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius following talks with Czech Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna, UATV English reports, citing Novinky.
The funding is expected to cover the purchase of approximately 50,000 rounds of ammunition for Ukraine.
“Germany plays an important role as a supplier of military equipment and ammunition and, together with our defense industry, makes a significant contribution to Europe’s security,” Zůna said during his visit to Berlin. He emphasized the responsibility Germany has assumed for European security and defense.
Following the meeting, Pistorius announced the additional €300 million contribution to the Czech ammunition initiative. He described the project as an important instrument of support for a country that has been resisting Russian aggression for a fifth year and thanked the Czech Republic for continuing the initiative.
Germany remains the largest foreign donor to the Czech ammunition initiative, contributing a total of €1 billion last year.
The Czech Republic launched the project in 2024, primarily with the support of then-Prime Minister Petr Fiala and President Petr Pavel. The proposal was first presented to European leaders in February 2024.
The initiative focuses on identifying available large-caliber ammunition on global markets, securing funding from partner countries, and arranging delivery to Ukraine.
The current coalition involving ANO, SPD, and Motorists initially considered ending the initiative. Ultimately, it was decided that the Czech Republic would maintain its administrative and organizational role, while no longer participating directly in the purchases themselves.
This position has drawn criticism from opposition politicians.
“The German decision is excellent news. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš should reconsider his position and also provide ammunition to Ukraine against Russia,” said MP and former Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský.
A poll conducted in February found that approximately 62% of Czech citizens support continuing the ammunition procurement initiative for Ukraine.
NATO officials have previously stated that the so-called Czech initiative has identified significantly more ammunition on international markets than initially expected.
Read also: If Ukraine uses 600 drones and missiles every day, Russians will feel this war, — Zelenskyy
