In 2024, the European Union (EU) supplied Ukraine with 980,000 artillery shells as part of its commitment to deliver one million shells in support of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced the figures on Monday, acknowledging that the EU fell short of its initial goal to meet the million-shell target by spring.
Despite the production constraints, Borrell expressed optimism that total EU-delivered ammunition to Ukraine could surpass 1.5 million shells by December through collaborative efforts including a Czech-led initiative supported by several EU nations. This initiative, launched in early 2024, aims to contribute an additional 800,000 shells to Ukraine’s artillery stockpile. As of mid-2024, Czechia had already delivered 50,000 shells under this program, with the remainder scheduled for delivery through the end of the year.
The Czech-led initiative has played a crucial role in bolstering Ukraine’s artillery supplies. This multinational project, which includes support from countries such as Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, was introduced as a response to delays in U.S. ammunition aid and has been instrumental in addressing the artillery shell shortages Ukraine faced earlier this year. However, only one-third of the promised shells had arrived by October.
Additionally, Slovakia has supported Ukraine’s artillery needs through civilian-led efforts. After the Slovak government declined to join the EU supply program, Slovak activists independently raised over 4 million euros ($4.3 million) to back the Czech-led initiative.
Prague is reportedly considering further procurement plans for 2025 to bolster Ukraine’s artillery supply.
Beyond immediate aid, there are plans to expand local production. Ukraine and Czechia recently signed an agreement to begin manufacturing 155-mm artillery shells and other large-caliber munitions within Ukraine by 2025.
