Czech ammo initiative secures funding for Ukraine through mid-2026 – Ambassador

This was stated in an interview with Ukrinform by Ukraine’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Vasyl Zvarych.

“It is very important that the Czech Republic is also using revenues from frozen Russian assets to purchase ammunition for Ukraine. The process is ongoing, and ammunition and weapons are being delivered to Ukraine every day,” the Ambassador said.

He recalled that last year, thanks to the initiative, 1.5 million large-caliber shells were delivered to Ukraine (not only 155mm, but others as well). This year, the goal is to increase that amount to 1.8 million. In the first half of the year alone, nearly 800,000 such shells were delivered to Ukraine via the ‘Czech channel’, Zvarych said. He added that at least for the first half of next year, funding for continued procurement under the Czech initiative has already been secured.

In addition, cooperation is underway to localize the production of weapons and ammunition in Ukraine.

“This year alone, we have launched three new projects: for the production of Bren 2 assault rifles, for 155mm caliber ammunition, and for setting up a production line for smaller caliber cartridges,” the Ambassador said, adding that this is not a complete list of projects within the defense industry cooperation between the two countries.

During a meeting in Prague in May between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the heads of key Czech defense companies, the importance of creating a joint Ukrainian-Czech defense cluster was emphasized.

Zvarych pointed to a recent strategic milestone: the opening of a Ukrainian office by the world-class defense company Czechoslovak Group (CSG).

As previously reported, the ammunition initiative – whereby the Czech Republic purchases ammunition globally using funds from European countries – was launched early last year by the Czech President and Prime Minister.