Ukraine to receive vital artillery shells as Czech Plan is close to funding completion.

On March 6, 2024, Bloomberg reported that, according to an anonymous government source, the majority of the funding required for the Czech plan, aimed at aiding Ukraine, is almost finalized. This initiative focuses on the delivery of artillery shells to Ukraine and is anticipated to start within weeks following the acquisition of the remaining funds. The exact delivery dates, however, will be influenced by existing contractual obligations and delivery schedules.
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The Ukrainian Army requires 75,000–90,000 artillery shells per month for defensive operations, and 200,000–250,000 for major offensive activities. (Picture source: Ukrainian Army)

This issue is expected to be discussed at the next meeting of the European Union's defense and foreign ministers. This announcement comes two years after Russia's extensive military action against Ukraine, which has led to a protracted conflict along a 1,000-km front. The battleground, marked by entrenched positions, has seen continuous exchanges of heavy artillery fire, underscoring Ukraine's significant need for artillery ammunition replenishment. In response, the European Union initiated a plan in March 2023, proposing to supply Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells within twelve months. However, a year into the initiative, reports suggest that the delivery has reached just over half the promised amount, primarily due to production challenges and the absence of long-term procurement agreements.

Additionally, the conflict has resulted in substantial price increases in the global ammunition market, with costs for artillery rounds rising from a pre-conflict range of $700-$1,200 to current prices between $2,800-$3,200. These developments have further complicated the logistical and financial efforts involved in providing Ukraine with sufficient artillery ammunition.

Political aspects, such as delays in US military aid and differences within the EU on funding munitions purchases for non-EU countries, have also influenced the supply process. These factors highlight the complexities involved in coordinating international military aid and securing ammunition supplies.

Analysts have pointed out the strategic importance for Ukraine in obtaining an increased supply of artillery shells to continue its military activities effectively. There is a noted discrepancy between the current supply levels and the operational requirements of the country.

In light of these challenges, the Czech Republic announced a strategic initiative during the Munich Security Conference, held from February 16 to 18, 2024, to provide 800,000 shells to Ukraine. This plan was outlined by Czech President Petr Pavel during the Ukrainian Lunch, hosted by the Pinchuk Foundation. He emphasized the need for innovative approaches and international cooperation, particularly with NATO partners, to fulfill the Ukrainian Armed Forces' equipment requirements.

The initiative has received support from several countries; the Netherlands has committed €100 million, and Belgium has pledged €200 million towards the procurement of ammunition. Other nations, including Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden, have also expressed their support for Ukraine, particularly emphasizing the need for artillery shells compatible with Ukrainian artillery systems.

Since named the Czech Plan, this collective approach has devised a funding mechanism that enables participating countries to maintain a consistent flow of required munitions to Ukraine. Since its announcement, the Czech Republic has been active in mobilizing support and negotiating with its defense industry to boost production capabilities. In parallel, the Netherlands, led by Colonel Simon Wouda from the Ukraine Taskforce, has been exploring avenues to address the shortfall in ammunition, focusing particularly on acquiring 155 mm artillery rounds suitable for the systems they have supplied.

The Czechoslovak Group (CSG) is set to play an integral role in this endeavor, functioning as both a manufacturer and a distributor of military equipment, including tanks and artillery shells destined for Ukraine. This example, supported financially by a consortium of Western European countries and other allies, appears to demonstrate a renewed joint effort to meet Ukraine's military needs in the current conflict.

Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron's recent remarks on the potential deployment of allied forces in Ukraine, which would probably include training Ukrainian forces, strengthening air defense capabilities, and securing certain sections of the border, could also help to meet certain well-known needs of the Ukrainian army.