In Prague on February 15, Czech President Petr Pavel announced that a Czech-led initiative to supply large-caliber ammunition had delivered 1.6 million shells to Ukraine. Pavel stated that funding had been secured for shipments until April, with plans to continue beyond that deadline. He emphasized the importance of continuing the support until a peace agreement is reached and Ukraine can sustain itself.

The initiative, utilizing Czech diplomatic, business, and industrial networks, has sourced large-caliber ammunition globally and transported it to Ukraine with support from NATO allies. Pavel reported that Ukraine has received 1.6 million rounds of such ammunition over the past year.

In October, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala indicated that the initiative aimed to deliver half a million shells by the end of 2024. Notably, a Czech government source clarified that the 500,000 figure pertained specifically to 155mm artillery rounds, with other shells of over 100mm caliber included in the deliveries.