Ukraine Expects 3 Million Artillery Shells in 2025 from Allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine expects to receive a total of three million artillery shells from international allies in 2025, with 1.8 million provided under a Czech-led initiative. The program, spearheaded by Czechia and supported by other NATO partners, is part of broader efforts to address Ukraine’s ammunition shortages amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s military support extends beyond the Czech initiative, highlighting continued aid from various partners to counter Russian forces, which have also received support from North Korea. During a joint press conference in Prague, Czech President Petr Pavel reaffirmed the commitment to deliver shells and discussed future cooperation, including a potential joint pilot training school for F-16 fighter jets. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s support for a full, unconditional ceasefire as proposed by the United States, though he noted the Kremlin has shown little willingness to negotiate peace. European Union officials also indicated plans to increase defense production to further bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities.