Czech plans to supply Ukraine with 800,000 artillery shells
FOA News – President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine with weapons in a speech at the Munich Security Forum on February 17 in Germany.
Smoke rises from the Avdiivka Coal and Chemical Plant on February 15. (Source: Getty)
Mr. Pavel said the Czech Republic is cooperating with partners in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization “NATO” including Denmark, the Netherlands and Canada. To provide Ukraine with necessary equipment and ammunition, including from third countries.
President Pavel said he has found a plan to buy 500,000 155 mm artillery shells and 300,000 122 mm artillery shells to supply to Ukraine in the coming weeks, but noted that Prague needs funding to do this. Mr. Pavel expressed his intention to seek financial support from partners in the US, Germany, Sweden and other countries.
The above initiative was launched in the context of European allies’ efforts to increase the supply of artillery ammunition to Ukraine. Previously, it was reported that of the 1 million artillery shells pledged in March, Ukraine could receive about 600,000 shells. Previously, on February 7, EU foreign affairs official Josep Borrell announced. Increase the production capacity of the defense industry by 40% to allow Ukraine to receive more than 1 million artillery shells by the end of 2024.
In a related development, on February 18, Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said. The country’s forces destroyed 12 attack drones launched by Russia overnight as well as one Kh-59 cruise missile and one SU-34 fighter bomber.
On February 17, Ukrainian Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said the Kiev army had withdrawn from Avdiivka to avoid being surrounded after months of Russian attacks. This is Moscow’s biggest step forward since its army captured the city of Bakhmut in May 2023.
Source: Reuters
