Thanks to the Czech initiative, Ukraine has received almost 45% of all large-caliber ammunition, but currently the program is facing a shortage of funds for further supplies. This is reported by iRozhlas, according to UNN.
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The role of the Czech project in Ukraine's defense is key. In particular, in the segment of 155 mm artillery shells, which are used for the most powerful howitzers, the initiative's contribution exceeded 50%.
Through this mechanism, Ukraine has received a total of almost two million units of large-caliber ammunition, which, along with drones, remains a decisive factor on the front.
Despite the successes and high diplomatic recognition of the project worldwide, it is currently in a crisis due to a lack of money. To date, funding covers less than half of the planned supplies, and the deficit reaches billions.
Among the main reasons for the initiative's slowdown are the decrease in activity of donor countries, particularly Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark. This is influenced by the indebtedness of European economies, the consequences of the war in the Middle East, and the unwillingness of partners to invest through the Czech Republic, as Prague itself is not currently investing its own funds in the initiative, although it receives tax revenues from the defense industry.
It is also noted that the government of Andrej Babiš decided after the elections to continue the project, but without direct financial contribution from the state. This is happening against the backdrop of a general decrease in the volume of Czech military aid, as recorded by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously described the Czech initiative as brilliant, functional, and critically important for the country's defense.