As part of this initiative, the Czech Republic is seeking funding to purchase ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces by 2025.

This was announced by the Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky.

According to him, the financial contributions of the countries that have joined the initiative will allow Prague to hand over 500,000 artillery shells to Kiev by the end of the year.

The minister said 18 countries have already joined the initiative, of which 15 have fulfilled their commitments and made their contributions.

Next year, sources of financing will be sought for the purchase of new batches of ammunition for Ukraine.

“We are currently looking for funds to purchase new ammunition so that the initiative can continue into 2025,” Lipavski said.

He also noted that up to 800,000 grenades could be delivered to Ukraine in 2024 under the Czech initiative, if the money is secured.

Lipavsky said the Czech Republic is in daily contact with its Ukrainian partners, who appreciate the assistance.

Artillery ammunition for the Ukrainian army is sought from suppliers in several countries that are not members of NATO or the EU.

Lipavsky also pointed out that Russia is trying to thwart the initiative and that is why the Czech Republic is not disclosing where the ammunition comes from.

Earlier, the Czech president had said that Ukraine would receive 50,000 pieces in July and August, and 80,000 to 100,000 per month from September to the end of this year.

At the end of June, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that the first batch of artillery ammunition purchased through the Czech initiative had already arrived in Ukraine for some time.

Then Defense Minister Yana Chernochova clarified that it concerns about 50,000 rounds of ammunition.