Military support for Ukraine: Ammunition continues to flow from Czechia, Slovakia waits and Poland shows continuing support
Although many interpreted the new Czech prime minister’s statements as signaling that Czech ammunition deliveries to Ukraine — one of Ukraine’s most important suppliers — would be suspended, in reality the shipments are continuing. Slovakia is not providing comparable support, though its role has never been decisive in this area.
Despite earlier high-profile rhetorical backtracking, the Czech Republic remains an active player in supplying ammunition to Ukraine, partly through the previously launched “Czech Ammunition Initiative,” which is financed by several European countries. Under this initiative, several million rounds of large-calibre ammunition have already been delivered to Ukraine. By the end of 2025, Czechia had reached its target of delivering 1.8 million rounds to Ukrainian forces, which continues to represent one of the main sources of artillery ammunition used on the front lines.
The initiative is not based solely on Czech government logistics: the largest manufacturer, Czechoslovak Group (CSG), plays a significant role in procurement and in supplying large-calibre ammunition, and the company’s profile has continued to expand in recent years.
The new Czech government, led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, has confirmed that the initiative will continue and be coordinated by Czechia, but future ammunition purchases will not be financed from the state budget. Instead, the government will rely on contributions from other countries or partners.
The aim of these arrangements is for Czechia to remain in a coordinating role while partner countries provide the financial backing — meaning that direct state-funded ammunition purchases are gradually being phased out.
In addition, significant industrial cooperation is underway. Through a partnership between CSG and its Ukrainian partner, Ukrainian Armor, licensed production of large-calibre ammunition has also begun in Ukraine, further increasing the flexibility of supply chains.
Slovakia – State military support and ammunition
Slovakia has undergone a significant shift in its approach to supporting Ukraine, particularly regarding ammunition and weapons. The government led by Robert Fico has made it clear that it will not provide military assistance to Ukraine and will not send weapons or ammunition from state stockpiles into the conflict. This position was confirmed in a joint statement by the country’s three top political leaders, including the prime minister and the president.
This means that Slovakia does not participate in joint European or “Coalition of the Willing” initiatives that provide military assistance to Ukraine, nor does it offer state guarantees for major European loan packages for Kyiv.
Instead, the government has proposed other forms of cooperation, such as monitoring a potential peace agreement or providing civilian support (humanitarian, energy, and logistical assistance). Slovakia has also ruled out sending even military observer missions to Ukraine.
It is important to note, however, that Slovakia’s private arms industry remains active. The government does not obstruct private companies from exporting weapons or ammunition to Ukraine, a dynamic that continues to contribute to economic growth despite the halt in state military aid.
Poland – Continued support and ammunition industry development
Poland remains among the most committed supporters of Ukraine, including through the provision of military equipment and ammunition. The government has previously stated that it will continue fulfilling existing arms and ammunition supply contracts while working to expand its supply capacity.
Polish authorities are making substantial investments in the development of the domestic ammunition industry, including cooperation with foreign partners such as BAE Systems, to increase production of 155 mm artillery shells.
These efforts are part of a broader Polish defence investment programme aimed at reducing external ammunition dependence while keeping pace with rising regional demand.
Poland has also previously provided logistical and financial support to the Czech ammunition initiative — including agreements on logistical assistance and financial contributions — and this partnership remains part of the wider European effort.
Since 2022, Poland has carried out significant donations of military equipment and ammunition to Ukraine, including artillery systems and other defence materiel, which continue to form a core element of Polish–Ukrainian security cooperation.
