The Czech Republic is ready to organize the delivery of an additional 1,5 million artillery shells to Ukraine in 2025, strengthening its support for Kiev amid the ongoing conflict, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after the end of the summit in Paris on March 27. The meeting, which was attended by leaders of 31 countries, including representatives of Canada, Australia and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, showed that European countries agreed to supply Kyiv with a total of 2 million shells. The Czech initiative, which proved successful last year, will add another 1,5 million to this, bringing the total to 3,5 million units.

Speaking to journalists, Fiala stressed that Prague maintains leadership in coordinating international efforts to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with ammunition.

"We are capable of repeating last year's result and delivering 1,5 million shells," — the Prime Minister noted, referring to the experience of 2024, when the Czech Republic organized the purchase of 500 thousand NATO-standard 155 mm shells and an additional quantity of Soviet-style 152 mm ammunition.

Then the initiative, launched against the backdrop of a protracted EU production ramp-up, made it possible to find the shells on the global market thanks to funding from Ukraine's allies.

The Czech program, launched last year, was a response to the acute shortage of artillery ammunition in the Ukrainian Armed Forces caused by intense fighting. Prague assumed the role of mediator, negotiating with third countries on supplies and coordinating logistics. In 2024, the Czech Republic's efforts ensured the delivery of shells that had previously been used in the former Soviet bloc or sold to other countries.