Prague: Only 4 Countries Funded Ammunition Purchases for Ukraine

Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová has called on European allies to financially contribute to the so-called "Czech Initiative for Ammunition Purchases," as only four NATO countries have thus far fulfilled their commitments. The Czech Republic has taken a leading role in meeting Ukraine's artillery ammunition needs through this initiative, which aims to procure artillery shells from the global market. The initiative has secured financial commitments from 18 countries, mostly EU and NATO member states. The Czech Republic has positioned itself as a mediator, negotiating memoranda relating to donor commitments and purchase agreements, and then coordinating the logistics of delivery operations. While the number of countries pledging financial support is increasing, only a few have actually provided funds. Černochová stated to reporters after a meeting of defense ministers in Brussels, "Money is gradually flowing to us, but we cannot purchase ammunition on credit." The minister urged "those governments that signed the memoranda of understanding to send funds," revealing that only Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal have so far contributed money for ammunition purchases.