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In an announcement made by the Defense Ministry on March 15, Portugal has committed to a significant 100 million euros ($108.9 million) backing for a Czech-led initiative aimed at procuring hundreds of thousands of artillery shells for Ukraine.
The President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, had earlier in February revealed plans to acquire a substantial cache of artillery ammunitions: 500,000 units of 155 mm and 300,000 units of 122 mm shells from sources outside Europe. The acquisition would proceed upon securing the necessary funding for this initiative.
As Ukraine endures severe shortages in ammunition, the necessity for artillery shells has grown increasingly urgent. The delay in the delivery of U.S. military aid, stemming from Congressional disagreements, has already had tangible repercussions, including the loss of the strategically vital city of Avdiivka.
The joint initiative, according to the Portugal Defense Ministry, is in line and augments the continuous military assistance that has been extended to Ukraine “since the first hour of the Russian invasion.” The assistance details are available in their statement here.
Portugal has provided substantial support to Kyiv since 2022, including the contribution of Leopard 2 tanks, numerous M113 armored personnel carriers, and artillery ammunition.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, on March 12, conveyed that the initiative has successfully facilitated the procurement of 300,000 shells, with nonbinding agreements in place for an additional 200,000 shells.
Insights from Tomas Pojar, the security advisor to Fiala, indicate that the flow of these rounds to Ukraine might commence as early as June.
‘Our reserves will run out:’ Ukrainian artillery rings the alarm on the scarcity of Western shells
Awaited in a spartan, muddy trench with minimal winter concealment, a formidable steel behemoth bides its time. With the iconic cross symbols adorned on its flanks, the colossal barrel remains poised, directed towards the heavens above the Bakhmut frontline, an area witnessing relentless conflict.
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FAQ Section
What has Portugal pledged towards the Czech initiative for Ukraine?
Portugal has pledged 100 million euros ($108.9 million) towards the procurement of artillery shells for Ukraine as part of the Czech-led support initiative.
How many artillery shells does the Czech initiative aim to acquire for Ukraine?
The goal is to acquire 500,000 units of 155 mm shells and 300,000 units of 122 mm shells from sources outside Europe.
Why is Portugal’s contribution significant for Ukraine?
Portugal’s financial backing is vital as Ukraine faces severe ammunition shortages which are impacting the ongoing conflict negatively, especially following delays in U.S. military aid.
Has Portugal supported Ukraine in other capacities?
Yes, Portugal has contributed Leopard 2 tanks, M113 armored personnel carriers, and artillery ammunition to Kyiv since 2022.
When might the artillery rounds start being delivered to Ukraine?
Delivery of the artillery rounds could begin by June, as indicated by Tomas Pojar, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s security advisor.
Conclusion
Portugal’s substantial financial commitment of 100 million euros to the Czech-led initiative marks a significant bolstering of international support for Ukraine. The prompt acquisition and delivery of the necessary artillery shells will play a crucial role in equipping Ukraine amidst its dire wartime ammunition needs. Such collaborative efforts underscore the continued global response to the Ukraine conflict and the steps being taken to address urgent military requirements.
Note: TheUBJ presents the information herein through AI news feed technology based on various internet sources and does not claim ownership or authorship of the original content. The reference to the original content can be found at https://kyivindependent.com/portugal-pledges-109-million-to-czech-shell-initiative-for-ukraine/.
