Czech Initiative Floods Ukraine With 400,000 Artillery Shells

Ukraine expects to receive an additional 400,000 artillery shells by the end of April. This supply comes as part of a Czech-led effort sourcing these materials from unknown locations. According to an expert cited by PAP, this development seems to alleviate the temporary crisis concerning the scarcity of such munitions within the Ukrainian military.

The Czech initiative emerged as a response to the critical shortage of artillery ammunition faced by Ukraine. This announcement came during the previous year’s Munich Security Conference. During this event, Czech President Petr Pavel stated that their nation could supply up to 500,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition along with 300,000 rounds of 122mm shells. A total of eighteen nations signed onto this initiative.

Read also:

Trump pushes for lasting peace as Putin offers brief truce

Efforts by the Czech Republic to assist Ukraine

"The Czech Republic’s ammunitions project continues, and by the end of April, we will supply 400,000 rounds of large-caliber ammunition to Ukraine," stated Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova during an appearance on Czech TV.

Read also:

Trump's promise to bring an end to the Ukraine conflict within a single day has been repeated how many times up until now?

The Czech Republic succeeded in acquiring more ammunition than originally anticipated. Between the end of June 2024, when the initial deliveries reached Ukraine, and the close of December 2024, Kiev’s stockpile grew by 1.5 million units of artillery munitions. This included 520,000 rounds of 155mm cartridges, urgently required for their needs. The Czechs keep the origins of the ammunition confidential.

Shells essential for Ukraine

155mm shells utilized in NATO generally hold between 20 and 22 pounds of TNT. The distance these projectiles can travel varies based on the type of howitzer being used. They have the capability to reach targets as far away as 15 miles in certain scenarios; however, for howitzers with a barrel length of 52 calibers—such as the Polish Krab When equipped with higher velocity, the range extends to just over 19 miles. Should Ukraine receive more advanced variants featuring a gas generator, the range would increase by approximately 30%.

Read also:

Quantum technology from America: A revolution for military navigation

Andrzej Kinski, who serves as the editor-in-chief at "Army & Tech" magazine, mentioned in an interview with PAP that due to the Czech initiative (alongside backing from various nations via individual assistance programs and a minor reduction in combat operations), the scarcity of fundamental artillery ammunition for Ukraine’s military has been resolved. However, according to this specialist, “the primary concern now lies in the absence of missiles needed for anti-aircraft defenses.”

Read also:

The Netherlands enhances Ukraine's artillery capabilities through advanced Czech howitzers.

Artillery maintains the front: Ukraine's clash between past and present

Ukrainian troops receive an artillery upgrade with British AS-90 systems.