In a statement made on Wednesday, Kyiv’s top diplomat announced that Ukrainian troops battling Russian forces are set to receive artillery rounds soon. This initiative, led by the Czech Republic, aims to address Ukraine’s ammunition shortage by sourcing shells from third countries. The Czech government located 800,000 artillery rounds earlier this year and has secured funding to purchase an initial batch of 300,000, with deliveries planned to begin on March 8.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that detailed supply plans will be discussed with Czech officials, and the delivery of shells will be spread out over the year. He emphasized that the first deliveries will not be delayed significantly and efforts are ongoing to secure funding for additional initiatives to support Ukrainian forces.
Kuleba acknowledged the significance of the Czech initiative but highlighted the need for more support, stating that implementing two more initiatives could pose significant challenges for Russian troops in Ukraine.
Throughout the conflict initiated by Russia in February 2022, Kyiv has heavily relied on Western military assistance. However, a substantial U.S. military aid package has faced obstacles in Congress, encountering resistance from Republican lawmakers and delaying its approval.
Earlier this year, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov raised concerns about the shortage of shells, or “shell hunger,” affecting Ukrainian forces as they confronted Russian advancements in the eastern regions.
As international partners ramp up production to support Ukraine, Kuleba emphasized the urgent need for additional support to address the ongoing crisis and challenges faced by Ukrainian troops on the front lines.
The Czech initiative represents a significant step in providing crucial ammunition to Ukrainian forces, but further efforts are needed to bolster their defense capabilities against the ongoing Russian invasion.
Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; editing by Tom Balmforth and Tomasz Janowski
