The Czech Republic is seeking funds to purchase ammunition for the Ukrainian Defense Forces in 2025 as part of its initiative.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced this on Monday, July 22.

According to him, monetary contributions from the countries that have joined the initiative allow Prague to hand over 500,000 rounds to Kyiv by the end of the year.

The minister said that 18 countries had already joined the initiative, of which 15 had fulfilled their obligations and had made their contribution.

Sources of funding for the purchase of new batches of ammunition for Ukraine are being sought next year.

“We are currently looking for money to purchase new ammunition so that the initiative can continue in 2025,” Lipavský said.

The official also noted that up to 800,000 rounds of ammunition could be delivered to Ukraine in 2024 under the Czech initiative if the money were available.

He said that the Czech Republic was in daily contact with its Ukrainian partners, who appreciated the assistance.

Artillery ammunition for the Ukrainian army is sought from suppliers in various non-NATO and non-EU countries.

Lipavský also noted that Russia was trying to disrupt the initiative, and that was why the Czech Republic did not disclose where the ammunition came from.

Previously, the Czech President said that in July and August, Ukraine should’ve received 50,000 rounds of ammunition, and from September to the end of the year – 80,000 to 100,000 per month.

In late June, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that the first batch of artillery ammunition purchased under the Czech initiative had arrived in Ukraine some time ago. At the time, Defense Minister Jana Černochová clarified that it was 50,000 rounds of ammunition.