PRAGUE, March 7 (Reuters) - A Czech-led plan to buy 800,000 rounds of ammunition for Ukraine to fight Russia's invading forces has secured enough funding, with contributions from 18 countries, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Thursday.
The most pressing need for Ukraine two years after Russia's full-scale invasion began has become artillery ammunition, which is running low as the sides use heavy cannon fire to hold largely static, entrenched positions along the 1,000-km (620-mile) front line.
But the European Union has been unable to deliver 1 million ammunition rounds as it pledged to do a year ago, and U.S. military aid, which has been the backbone of international support for Kyiv, has stalled.
The Czech Republic has taken a lead on efforts to source more ammunition from third countries.
Speaking to reporters on a visit to regional towns on Thursday, Pavel said ammunition deliveries to Ukraine could start in weeks.
"As of this morning, we have collected the entire amount for buying all the ammunition, that is the 800,000 pieces," he told a briefing that was replayed on Czech Television.
Plan to buy ammunition for Ukraine fully funded, says Czech president | Reuters
Pavel 👏👏👏 Not just the coolest looking President.
Last edited by Ryuu96 - on 07 March 2024
