Ukraine Defense buys first ammunition using funds raised via UNITED24.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, through its Defense Procurement Agency, has signed a significant contract for the purchase of ammunition using funds raised via the UNITED24 fundraising platform. This initiative marks a crucial step in supporting Ukraine's war effort, thereby strengthening the defense capabilities of the country's army.
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155mm projectile rounds at Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky in 2022 (Picture source: US Army)

According to the Ministry of Defense's press service, this first contract, worth 47 million hryvnias (approximately US$1.13 million), covers the supply of ammunition for the Ukrainian army. Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov stated that "this contract is an important step in strengthening our army’s defense capabilities by mobilizing new sources of funding."

The Ukrainian government paved the way for this initiative in May 2024, allowing defense agencies to transfer funds collected via UNITED24 into a special account dedicated to military procurement. This account enables the direct funding of equipment and ammunition purchases needed to support the army, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense.

UNITED24 has become the main fundraising platform in support of Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022. Over 28 months of operation, the platform has raised more than US$678 million from donors in over 110 countries. The funds collected are primarily used to finance military needs but also support humanitarian and medical initiatives.

This project embodies international solidarity with Ukraine, allowing individuals, companies, and organizations from around the world to contribute directly to the war effort. By transferring these funds to defense procurement agencies, the Ukrainian government ensures these resources are used effectively and swiftly based on the front's immediate priorities.

The 155 mm caliber ammunition has become a central component of the Ukrainian army's arsenal, especially due to its use in Western artillery systems such as M777 howitzers and CAESAR self-propelled guns. These heavy artillery systems have played a decisive role on the battlefield, offering superior range, accuracy, and firepower compared to older artillery systems.

Artillery remains one of the most crucial weapons in modern warfare in Ukraine, particularly in the context of positional warfare tactics that dominate several fronts. The 155 mm ammunition, widely used by NATO forces, allows Ukraine to standardize its supply chain in line with the weapons provided by allied countries.

The supply of ammunition is therefore vital for Ukraine's military effort, especially as fighting intensifies in several regions of the country. By signing this contract, Ukraine continues to bolster its defense capabilities in the face of Russian aggression.