Czech PM says “tens of thousands of shells” will be delivered to Ukraine in June

Fifteen EU and NATO countries have contributed more than EUR 1.6 billion (CZK 39.5 billion) to the Czech shells-for Ukraine initiative, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said at a joint press briefing with a group of EU leaders in Prague on Tuesday. The first tens of thousands of 155 mm calibre ammunition will arrive in Ukraine in the course of June, and the country can expect the first shipment in the next few days, the prime minister said.

The Czech prime minister hosted a work dinner for a group of EU leaders and the prime minister of Ukraine aimed at coordinating and strengthening aid to Ukraine in the face of continuing Russian aggression. The meeting was attended by the prime misters of the Netherlands, Denmark and Latvia, as well as Polish President Andrej Duda and US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien.

President Duda said this was a crucial moment in the conflict and Europe must do everything to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s aggression. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said his country would deliver parts of a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked Prime Minister Fiala for calling the meeting, saying his country “is and will remain the shield of Europe”. He stressed the importance of the Czech shells-for Ukraine initiative, adding that it was vital for the ammunition to reach the front line as soon as possible.