The first shipment of Czech-initiated ammunition has arrived in Ukraine, Reuters reported, citing BTA, referring to a post by Prime Minister Peter Fiala on the "X" social network.
The Czech Republic has led efforts to buy ammunition for Kiev with funding from NATO allies to make up for shortages on the front lines with Russia.
"The first shipment of ammunition on our initiative arrived in Ukraine some time ago," wrote the Czech Prime Minister. "We are doing what is necessary,", added Fiala.
In May, Prague said the first 50,000 to 100,000 artillery shells would reach Ukraine in June.
So far, the Czech authorities have specified that they have received about 1.7 billion euros in payments or firm commitments from 15 sponsor countries, which is enough to supply half a million artillery shells to Ukraine by the end of the year, notes Reuters .
About 20 countries have pledged to join the Czech initiative, but only five of them have made payments on it by the end of May - Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal and Canada.