Ukraine confident in support from Czechia to secure peace and strengthen defence, FM says PHOTO

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavsky and discussed military support for Kyiv, as well as sanctions against Russia.

“In Prague, I was delighted to meet with my Czech colleague and friend Jan Lipavsky to discuss the implementation of the results of President Zelenskyy's visit to Czechia. We also discussed the prospects for a fair peace and increased pressure on Russia, including sanctions and continued military assistance to Ukraine,” Caliber.Az quotes Sybiha as saying in a post on X.

Sybiha thanked the Czech Republic for its important and effective artillery ammunition initiative: “I am grateful to all partners who joined it. The initiative is expected to be expanded to provide Ukraine with 1.8 million shells this year. With allies like Czechia, we are confident that we have the necessary support to strengthen Ukraine and bring a just and lasting peace closer.”

The Czech Republic has played a pivotal role in organising an international initiative to supply Ukraine with artillery shells, amid growing shortages on the battlefield. The initiative seeks to procure shells from third countries outside the EU and NATO, such as South Korea and South Africa, bypassing production delays in Europe. As of early 2024, dozens of countries had pledged funding, with a goal to deliver 1.8 million shells to Ukraine by the end of 2025. This effort comes as Ukraine faces intensified Russian offensives and struggles to maintain artillery parity on the front.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Czechia has emerged as a vocal supporter of Ukraine within the EU and NATO. It has provided substantial military aid, including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and ammunition. Prague also supports Ukraine’s EU and NATO integration paths and has actively advocated for stronger sanctions against Russia.

By Khagan Isayev