The opposition Czech party wants to stop the initiative for purchasing ammunition for Ukraine – FT

The opposition Czech party ANO, led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, which is leading in public opinion polls ahead of the elections, has promised to suspend its initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine if it returns to power.

This was reported by The Financial Times.

“We must stop the current practice,” said Karel Havlíček, deputy leader of ANO.

Czech President Petr Pavel, a former NATO commander, announced last year that his government was coordinating the purchase of artillery shells on international markets to help replenish Ukraine’s dwindling ammunition stocks and counter Russia.

However, Havlíček expressed doubts about the quality and price of the shells.

“We have information from the military sector that the quality is not perfect and that it’s simply very expensive,” he said.

Ukrainian officials and military personnel say that this initiative has allegedly helped replenish the ammunition shortage, as their forces were under pressure from last year’s resumption of the Russian offensive. There were reports that a small portion of the shells was of poor quality and could not be used, but overall, Kyiv was satisfied with the supplies.

Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Eduard Hulicius stated that last year, 520,000 155mm shells were supplied to Kyiv under this initiative, and another 300,000 shells are expected to be delivered this year. Initially, Prague planned to send all 800,000 shells in 2024, but it struggled to raise funds and procure the entire volume amid fierce competition on international markets, including from Russia.

Babiš hopes to return to the position of prime minister, which he held until 2021. The current government in Prague has warned that Babiš may turn away from Ukraine and strengthen ties with Russia-friendly leaders such as Viktor Orbán from Hungary, Robert Fico from Slovakia, and the likely next Chancellor of Austria, Herbert Kickl.

Havlíček from ANO believes that the debate about ammunition supplies could become pointless if Donald Trump achieves a ceasefire with Russia.

“They must start peace negotiations. The longer we drag out the conflict… the worse and worse the situation will be for Ukraine,” said Havlíček.

Earlier, Havlíček had already stated that Prague would stop military aid to Kyiv if the opposition comes to power.