Finland Considers Participating in Czech Initiative Purchase of Ammunition for Ukraine.

During a speech in Strasbourg, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo indicated that Finland is seriously considering participating in a significant artillery ammunition acquisition initiative led by the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic proposes the joint purchase of 800,000 shells.
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Finland is seriously considering participating in Czech Republic-Led Group Purchase of Ammunition. (Picture source: US DoD)

Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, Orpo hinted that Finland would join the billion-euro artillery purchase agreement. "We are inclined to participate and will make decisions quickly," Orpo commented about the joint purchase of 800,000 shells during his speech in Strasbourg.

Orpo revealed that Finland is preparing to join the effort led by the Czech Republic to acquire approximately one million artillery shells. The Czech Republic has identified a source outside the European Union for the purchase of 800,000 artillery shells, which could be jointly purchased by European countries for Ukraine.

This initiative could compensate for the EU's inability to deliver the promised one million artillery shells by March 2024. The EU has procured ammunition from its member states and Norway. The estimated cost of the Czech proposal is €1.4 billion. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen had previously made evasive comments to Yle in early March regarding this joint purchase. Finland has not officially announced its participation in the purchase.

Politico reported last week that the Czech Republic had only secured funding for about 300,000 shells. To date, at least 18 Western countries have agreed to fund the purchase of ammunition.

Speaking to the media in Strasbourg, Orpo emphasized that, relative to its size, Finland is one of the main contributors to supporting Ukraine. "When considering the Czech initiative, many participating countries have so far provided relatively minor military contributions to Ukraine," noted Orpo.

Other countries that have contributed more than Finland but are participating in the initiative include Denmark, Lithuania, Norway, Latvia, as well as the Netherlands, Poland, France, Germany, Canada, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The United States is the largest supporter of Ukraine, although not in proportion to their GDP. Orpo emphasized the seriousness of the initiative, stating that it would enable the rapid purchase of ammunition.