Weapons initiative under threat: Czech opposition leader threatens to cut off supplies
Фото: Czechoslovak Group
The leader of the opposition movement ANO and former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babis, said that if his political force wins the parliamentary elections, the government will cancel the initiative to supply artillery ammunition to Ukraine.
Babis said this in an interview with Reuters, reports Ceske Noviny.
This is the so-called “munitions initiative” launched by the Czech Republic, which has already provided more than 1.5 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. Deliveries are continuing this year. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the program “effective” during a visit to Prague in May.
However, Babis has repeatedly criticized this initiative, claiming that it “benefits primarily arms companies” who allegedly receive “excess profits without proper transparency.”
“This is an overpriced, opaque, and corrupt initiative,” the politician said.
Asked about the possible termination of the program, Babis said: “Of course. Why should we continue it? We need money for our people.”
He also suggested that NATO could take the initiative. At the same time, according to Babis, it is not entirely clear how much the Czech Republic is investing in this project.
The current government of Petr Fiala stated that about 35 million euros (860 million crowns) had been allocated for the program.
What is known about Andrej Babis?
Parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic are scheduled for October 3 and 4, 2025. According to the latest polls, the ANO movement is leading in the ratings, and Babis is considered one of the main contenders for the post of Prime Minister.
The politician is known for his cautious and sometimes critical attitude towards supporting Ukraine. He recently spoke out against providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic, saying that the government should focus primarily on the country’s internal problems.
Recall, “Ukrainian Armored Vehicles” and the Czech arms manufacturer Czechoslovak Group (CSG) have agreed on the joint production of 155-mm shells and other large-caliber ammunition in Ukraine . It is scheduled to start in 2025.
As reported, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced the allocation of 100 million euros for the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for the Ukrainian army.
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