The Netherlands has announced a contribution of over 100 million euros to a Czech-led initiative for the rapid acquisition of artillery ammunition for Ukraine. This announcement was made by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Paris, where he was attending a meeting with leaders and heads of state from various countries, invited by President Emmanuel Macron to discuss support for Ukraine.
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The Netherlands has announced a contribution of over 100 million euros to a Czech-led initiative for the rapid acquisition of artillery ammunition for Ukraine. (Picture source: UK MoD)

Rutte emphasized the importance of fulfilling commitments and seeking additional means of support, stating, "The Netherlands is contributing over 100 million euros to the Czech initiative to quickly deliver hundreds of thousands of artillery shells to Ukraine." This contribution represents new funds agreed upon last week, according to a spokesperson for the Prime Minister.

Ukraine, facing an urgent need for ammunition for its heavy artillery, must conserve its stockpile while enduring intensive bombardment by Russian forces. Although the European Union promised to provide 1 million ammunition to Ukraine, only half of this promise has been kept so far.

As indicated by the Ukrainian Defense Minister, Ukrainian forces need about 1,000 artillery shells per day just for the Bakhmut region, highlighting the huge demand for ammunition.

The Czech Republic has managed to find sources of artillery ammunition supply in countries such as South Korea and Turkey, enabling the short-term delivery of nearly half a million artillery munitions. France, which has long advocated for an increase in European arms production to revitalize the continent's defense industry, has indicated through President Macron its willingness to participate in this initiative.

Rutte mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy for a prolonged war in Ukraine, underlining the importance of a firm response to show that time is not on Russia's side. He also referred to a recent security agreement with Ukraine, promising bilateral support for at least the next decade.

In addition to funding for artillery munitions, the Dutch government previously announced support of 87 million euros for this purpose and an additional 10 million euros to strengthen Ukraine's cyber defense. Furthermore, another 25 million euros have been allocated to the International Fund for Ukraine, aimed at financing weapons for Kyiv.