The Lithuanian government has set aside 35 million euros to support Ukraine by funding ammunition purchases, a move linked to a broader fundraising effort that also involved the Czech Republic. Officials portray this as part of ongoing backing for Kyiv, a commitment echoed by the prime minister on social media where the government’s financial contribution and intention were outlined. Reuters reported on the multi-country initiative and its aim to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive capabilities through ammunition donations and cross-border cooperation.
In the Czech Republic, organizers announced on February 17 that funds were being raised to acquire 800,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery shells for Ukraine. The plan was described as a collaborative effort backed by international partners, including the United States, Germany, Sweden, and other allies. Czech officials stressed that once funding was secured, the shells could be sent to Kyiv within weeks. Reuters covered the early reporting of this fundraising drive and the anticipated delivery timeline as the coordination progressed across borders.
On March 8, Czech President Petr Pavel confirmed that the drive had secured the necessary resources to buy the artillery shells from third countries. He noted that the funds would be pooled to source munitions from international suppliers with the goal of delivering them to Ukraine at a later stage. This clarification helped map out the sequence of steps from funding to sourcing to eventual shipment as part of the Czech-led initiative, according to Reuters.
By March 13 it emerged that the first tranche of shells could be ready for transfer as part of the Czech Republic’s effort to supply ammunition to Ukraine. Delegations signaled readiness to move the ammunition into the conflict zone, with deliveries expected to begin in June, subject to logistical arrangements and onward approvals. Reuters provided a timeline view of the planned shipments and the progress of coordination among participating nations.
Former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commented that NATO allies had supplied a substantial portion of defensive support to Ukraine, while underscoring the need for additional contributions to sustain Kyiv’s resistance. Stoltenberg’s remarks, noted by Reuters, placed these funding and supply efforts within a broader strategic context and highlighted that more support would be required to meet Ukraine’s ongoing defense needs.