**Czech Government’s Initiative to Support Ukraine Reaches New Heights**
In a bid to help Ukraine combat Russia’s aggression, the Czech government has been working tirelessly to provide essential artillery ammunition. A program set up last year by the Czechs has matched donations from NATO partners with offers to sell ammunition, and it seems to be gaining traction.
According to Director Ales Vytecka of the defence ministry’s AMOS international cooperation agency, shipments have totaled 850,000 shells this year alone. This includes 320,000 NATO artillery 155mm calibre projectiles. In comparison, the total number of shipments in 2024 was 1.5 million, with 500,000 being 155-mm shells.
**Partners’ Trust in Czech Initiative Grows**
The fact that donor countries have increased their contributions by 29% this year compared to last is a clear indication of trust in the Czech government’s initiative. Countries such as Canada, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, and Denmark have all raised their contributions. Vytecka emphasized that donors decide themselves which supplies and at what prices they will finance.
**Transparency and Criticism**
However, not everyone is pleased with the program. Andrej Babis, head of the opposition ANO party, has vowed to scrap the initiative if his party returns to power. He claimed that the program was overpriced and untransparent. Director Vytecka rejected this criticism, stating that there is as much transparency as security concerns allow.
**Czech Government’s Commitment**
The Czech government’s commitment to supporting Ukraine has been unwavering. The program has not only provided artillery ammunition but also donated heavy equipment and other material worth hundreds of millions of euros. This is a testament to the Czechs’ dedication to helping their Ukrainian allies in their fight against Russia.
**What’s Next?**
As the situation on the ground continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the Czech government’s initiative will continue to support Ukraine. With increasing tensions and a growing need for ammunition, one thing is certain – the Czechs will remain committed to helping their Ukrainian partners.
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