Netherlands, Czech Republic to Purchase Ammunition for Ukraine

The Netherlands and the Czech Republic have signed an agreement for a joint purchase of ammunition intended for Ukraine.

The agreement was formalized between Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren and her Czech counterpart Jana Černochová, Dutch defense ministry confirmed on Thursday.

Minister Ollongren remarked, "The relationship with the Czechs is strong, and we have already collaborated extensively in various areas, such as the rapid procurement of 155mm grenades for Ukraine. By signing this agreement, we are reinforcing our partnership and setting the stage for even closer collaboration in the future."

Global Response to Ukraine's Critical Shortage of 155mm Shells

Ukraine is grappling with a critical shortage of 155mm shells for their howitzers supplied by Western allies. Reports indicate that the current rate of fire by Ukrainians against Russians ranges from 10 to 20 times higher on "good days."

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov has stated that Ukraine requires a minimum of 356,400 shells per month to sustain operational capabilities.

Responding swiftly, the Czech Republic has taken the lead in supplying much-needed ammunition to Ukraine. Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced in Brussels that, due to Czech efforts, Ukraine has already obtained 500,000 pieces of artillery ammunition, with contracts secured for an additional nearly 200,000 units. There are strong prospects that Czechia will secure another 300,000 units, reaching a total of one million.

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel recently informed reporters that his nation has identified one million rounds of 155-caliber artillery shells—200,000 more than initially estimated. Furthermore, 15 countries have joined the initiative to finance the purchase of these shells.

Among the 15 supporting nations, the Netherlands has allocated €250 million towards this crucial effort.