In 2025, Ukraine will receive 400,000 artillery shells from the Czech Republic as part of the “Czech initiative.” This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a joint press conference with his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala in Uzhhorod.
Shmyhal noted that last year Ukraine received about 1.5 million shells of various calibers, and this year an additional 400,000 rounds are expected to be delivered. This will significantly strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
Furthermore, the prime minister emphasized that the Czech government has extended the Ukraine recovery program until 2030, increasing annual aid to over 43 million dollars. This demonstrates a long-term and reliable partnership between the two countries, for which Ukraine expresses sincere gratitude.
Since 2022, the Czech Republic has provided Ukraine with military aid totaling more than 900 million dollars, which is a substantial support during this difficult time.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that in 2025, under the “Czech initiative,” Ukraine could receive a total of 1.8 million artillery shells.
The initiative was announced on February 17, 2024, by Czech President Petr Pavel at the Munich Conference. He stated that the country found 800,000 shells ready for purchase outside the EU and that they could be delivered within a few weeks given proper funding.
In March 2024, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský reported the receipt of the first 300,000 rounds under this initiative and their transfer to Ukraine.
Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová noted that 18 countries have joined the initiative, of which 15 have provided funding to purchase ammunition.
In February 2025, Czech President Petr Pavel confirmed that the initiative has enabled the delivery of at least 1.6 million artillery shells to Ukraine, which is a significant contribution to strengthening our country’s defense capabilities.
