Prague backs Ukraine ammunition initiative but says it cannot fund it

The Czech-led initiative to supply ammunition to Ukraine is continuing despite domestic budget constraints, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka told a small group of reporters, including POLITICO’s Jacopo Barigazzi.

“The munitions initiative keeps running” despite Prague’s limited finances, Macinka said, adding that the Czech Republic “is not able to put any money into it.”

He argued that the lack of direct Czech funding does not undermine the effort, stressing that “Ninety-nine percent of the story is running the ammunition initiative. One percent is the contribution.”

The comments come amid broader debate in Prague over potential military support for Ukraine. Earlier, Czech President Petr Pavel suggested that the country could consider transferring L-159 fighter jets to Ukraine to help counter drone threats. However, the Czech Foreign Ministry later distanced itself from the remarks, stating that Petr Pavel should not have spoken, promised, offered or negotiated anything of the sort, as such statements fall outside the president’s authority.

Domestic opposition has also emerged. The coalition party Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), including Defence Minister Jaromír Zuna, has publicly opposed the sale of Czech L-159 aircraft to Ukraine.

By Sabina Mammadli