Several countries have contributed to the Czech initiative to procure ammunition for Ukraine, but despite this, there remains a shortage of funds.
Additionally, the need to verify the proposed ammunition means that some may only reach the front lines by the end of the year.
The Czech initiative aims to purchase ammunition for Ukraine outside the European Union, and according to recent data, there will be almost twice as much ammunition available as originally planned, totaling 1.5 million, as reported by “Aktualnaya Kamera” (ETV).
According to the Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur (pictured), there are places in the world where ammunition can be purchased, but the question is whether there are funds available for it.
“If we are talking about a million rounds, that’s about three billion euros. There are different calibers, slightly cheaper. It would be great if everything could be done.
“At the moment, it can be said that there is more of a shortage of funds than ammunition,” Pevkur said.
According to the defence minister, efforts are primarily being made to find the missing amounts in the countries of Northern and Central Europe.
France, which has stated that it is ready to make a greater contribution, will be discussed separately.
At present, it is difficult to predict when the ammunition may reach the front. Some may arrive in a couple of months, while others may only arrive by the end of the year.
“Much depends on the fact that we need to physically verify some of the ammunition from these potential partners.
“We were told that they can be obtained [ammunition], but in what condition they are, whether they are suitable for use at all – all this needs to be checked,” Pevkur explained.
“I am a little worried because we are, so to speak, patting ourselves on the back, saying that we are doing well, but messages are coming from Ukraine that the ammunition is not reaching them.
“If we can still implement these things and deliver them to Ukraine, and Ukraine can strike back, then this will have an effect. I am now reading memoranda in which Ukrainian soldiers on the front line say that they cannot even evacuate the wounded because there are no ammunition,” said Prime Minister Kaya Kallas.
Missiles are one thing, but the most critical situation is with anti-aircraft missiles, the reserves of which are running out in Ukraine.
According to the Estonian defence minister, Estonia has nothing to offer in this case, and the only option is to hope and look towards the warehouses of allies.
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