Poland has announced its commitment to offering both logistical and financial assistance to a Czech-led initiative aimed at bolstering ammunition supplies to Ukraine through purchases outside of Europe. The declaration came from Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski during a press conference held in Prague on Thursday.
With Ukraine embroiled in a conflict with Russia for over two years, the urgent requirement for artillery ammunition has become paramount. Both sides heavily rely on cannon fire in the protracted conflict, resulting in a depletion of ammunition along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line.
Minister Sikorski emphasized Poland’s eagerness to contribute not only financially but also through efficient logistical support to ensure the seamless delivery of ammunition to the front lines where it is most needed.
Poland has emerged as a crucial distribution center for supplies to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
However, within the Visegrad Group (V4) of central and eastern European countries, there exists a divide regarding military aid for Ukraine. Slovakia’s new government has aligned with Hungary in abstaining from participating in such initiatives.
On March 8, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that the ammunition initiative had garnered sufficient resources to purchase an initial batch of 300,000 artillery shells. A Czech official further indicated last week that the first deliveries are expected to reach Ukraine by June at the latest.
