On July 30, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Tomáš Pojar, the Czech Republic's National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, to discuss key areas of military cooperation. The meeting underscored the strategic importance of Czech military aid, particularly in addressing Ukraine's urgent need for ammunition.
Denys Shmyhal expressed his gratitude to the Czech government for its consistent and multifaceted support of Ukrainian forces. One of the focal points of the discussion was the Czech ammunition initiative, a program that has become a crucial channel for supplying artillery shells of key calibers to Ukraine's frontlines. Given Ukraine's ongoing shortages in this area, the continuation and expansion of this initiative are seen as vital.
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The Ukrainian and Czech delegations delved into the specifics of future deliveries, including clear timetables and supply plans not only for 2025 but also looking ahead to 2026. Ensuring stable and predictable access to ammunition remains a cornerstone of Ukraine's defense planning, especially as the war enters a phase of long-term resilience.
In addition to logistical support, the two sides explored new avenues in defense industrial cooperation. According to Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine and the Czech Republic are already co-developing joint ventures focused on the production of artillery shells and the BREN 2 assault rifle on Ukrainian soil. This industrial collaboration aims to both accelerate arms production and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Further discussions centered on expanding this cooperation model. New projects are being considered for launch within the Czech Republic, potentially involving leading Ukrainian defense firms. These ventures are expected to enhance Ukraine's ability to sustain its defense forces through localized production and integrated supply chains.
The Czech delegation also briefed Ukraine on the contents of upcoming military aid packages. These will include significant reinforcements in air defense, electronic warfare systems (EW), and long-range strike capabilities, areas where Ukraine continues to press for Western support to counter russia's technological and numerical advantages.
Denys Shmyhal concluded the meeting by thanking the Czech government and people for their leadership and unwavering solidarity. He emphasized that such support not only strengthens Ukraine's defense capacity but also contributes to the broader pursuit of a just peace in Europe.
This deepening cooperation with the Czech Republic illustrates how Ukraine is actively adapting to the demands of prolonged war by building sustainable international defense partnerships, both in terms of logistics and industrial capability.
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