UK not joining Czech-led initiative of artillery shells supply for Ukraine causes concerns – UK Friends of Ukraine

As the UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the government won't join the Czech initiative to procure artillery shells for Ukraine, the state policy has been severely criticized.

The Westminster-based advocacy group UK Friends of Ukraine has expressed deep disappointment over the decision, highlighting the state's urgent need for ammunition to repel Russia's ongoing invasion. Senior opposition politicians have also urged to rethink this decision.

Czechia has spearheaded an innovative response to Ukraine's dwindling artillery shell supplies. The project sources shells from countries outside the EU, often from unused military stockpiles.

On February 17, at the Munich Security Conference, President Petr Pavel said that his country had identified 500,000 155 mm and 300,000 122 mm shells that could be delivered within weeks if money was available.

Eighteen countries have committed to the initiative, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Canada and Sweden. The first shipments of a confirmed 300,000 high-caliber shells are expected to reach Ukraine no later than June 2024.

An acute shortage of artillery shells is a key contributor to setbacks on the battlefields, with Ukrainian officials stating that they are currently able to have one shell for every five Russian ones.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said that 1.5 million rounds of ammunition could be supplied to Ukraine as part of the initiative to purchase artillery.

The shortage is a direct consequence of the US being unable to pass an aid package which has left European countries facing a need to step up both production and procurement.

"Ukraine needs all the support it can muster to defend itself from the ongoing Russian onslaught; with Russia gaining munitions from key allies, it is incumbent upon the UK to do all it can to support Ukraine's valiant efforts defending democracy and I would call on the British Government to join other key NATO members and support the Czech ammunitions programme," said Martin Docherty-Hughes, SNP Defence Spokesperson.

Cllr Alex Rennie, the UK Friends of Ukraine leader, says the government is working on increasing its production capacity for 155mm artillery shells under a contract with BAE, but Ukraine needs more shells "now."

"NATO allies have found funding to join the Czech-led initiative in addition to work across the continent to increase production capacity. It needs to be a twin-streamed process. As one of the strongest allies of Ukraine, the UK needs to continue to take a lead role in supporting innovative solutions, such as the Czech-led procurement scheme, and we call on them to join the initiative."