Leaders from five European NATO countries affirmed their support for Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Prague.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that Ukraine could expect to receive an initial shipment of tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells in the coming days.
This announcement highlights the Czech Republic’s plan to purchase up to 800,000 artillery shells from non-EU countries.
Fifteen EU and NATO countries have committed approximately $1.7 billion to this project.
Polish President Andrzej Duda pledged support for the transfer of artillery shells and described the situation on the Ukrainian-Russian front as difficult.
He noted that Russia currently holds the initiative and is preparing for another major offensive, emphasizing that artillery plays a crucial role in defense.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated, “For the Ukrainian people, weapons and equipment have become as essential for survival as water, food, and air.”
The meeting in Prague also included Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, who joined their European counterparts in expressing strong support for Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the funds, provided by Belgium, are earmarked for the reconstruction of the Chernihiv region, as well as the establishment of a Belgian development agency office in Ukraine.
Zelensky highlighted the significance of this financial support, emphasizing that the bilateral agreement signed today also includes military assistance worth at least €977 million for this year.
This military aid is intended to protect civilian lives and enhance defense capabilities, contributing to the overall security of both nations.
