This is part of an effort to provide millions of shells to Ukraine, which has been battling a Russian invasion since February 2022.

Ukrainian forces have previously reported running low on ammunition, leading to rationing and territorial losses.

Russia has recently escalated its offensive in northeastern Ukraine, ahead of the delivery of US weapons that were approved after a delay in Congress.

The Czech Republic, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal have collectively contributed 1.7 billion euros ($1.8 billion) to buy 500,000 artillery shells for Ukraine in the first phase of a larger initiative.

Ten other countries are in talks for donations.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the Czech-led effort, estimating it will provide one million shells to Ukraine by year-end.

Ukraine is projected to need 200,000 shells monthly for the next two years, which will cost between seven and ten billion euros per year.

The current pledges will cover only two and a half months of requirements.

The text discusses the competition among allies for purchasing ammunition produced outside Europe from Russia.

Kopecny expressed frustration over the slow process and high prices in this market.

He also criticized allies for not utilizing bank loans to finance weapon supplies to Ukraine, comparing it to the large sums of money the EU has spent on Covid-19 relief efforts.