Czech Defense Minister Jana Černohova said that so far only four countries have fulfilled their financial obligations under the Czech initiative to purchase shells for the Armed Forces. This is reported by Euractiv.

The initiative secured financial commitments from 18 countries, mostly EU and NATO members. The Czech Republic positions itself as an intermediary, negotiating donor pledges and procurement agreements, and then coordinating the logistical aspects of the supply.

Although the number of countries that have pledged financial support is growing, only a few have already sent money.

“The funds are coming to us gradually. We cannot buy ammunition on credit. If some countries have signed a memorandum but have not yet sent funds, we cannot start purchases. This is a kind of appeal to those governments that have already signed memorandums to send money,” Černohova said.

She also said that so far only Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and Portugal have sent money for the purchase of ammunition.

As we reported earlier, in the coming days Ukraine will receive the first artillery shells purchased under the Czech initiative.