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Lithuania joined the Czech ammunition initiative, so far four countries have sent money

by AI | 28.May 2024 | Europe in brief AI

A total of 18 countries joined the initiative, but only four – Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal – have so far sent money to purchase ammunition for Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldiers fire from an M777 howitzer. Photo: Libkos/AP/dpa

Brussels – According to Defense Minister Jana Černochová, Lithuania has also joined the Czech ammunition initiative, contributing 35 million euros (862.6 million CZK). Černochová stated this after today’s meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels, where she signed the relevant memorandum with her Lithuanian counterpart.

In total, 18 countries have joined the initiative, but only four – Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal – have sent money for purchasing ammunition for Ukraine so far. The first ammunition should be delivered to Ukraine as early as the beginning of June, the Czech minister denied any information that the initiative was delayed.

“We must continue to do everything in our power to respond promptly to Ukraine’s urgent needs, which is the goal of our ammunition initiative. We should plan our support so that the Ukrainian army does not face critical shortages in the future,” said Jana Černochová. According to her, the promised 35 million euros from Lithuania is a very high amount. “This is further proof that there is still strong interest in supporting Ukraine in our region,” she added.

Journalists in Brussels today also asked EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell about concerns regarding possible delays in ammunition deliveries through the Czech initiative. However, Černochová rejected any words about delays.

“The fact that we are able to fulfill some of his promises on behalf of the European Union and Mr. Borrell, I think is only good. Nothing is delayed, the Czech Republic will fully meet all commitments it makes to donor countries,” said the minister. “Financial resources are coming to us gradually based on the memorandums, we cannot buy ammunition somewhere on credit,” she noted.