Czechia convenes European leaders to boost Ukraine support

Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová asked other European countries to help pay for the Czech ammunition initiative. Only four countries have given the money they promised so far. This initiative is about getting artillery shells from around the world. 18 countries, mostly from the EU and NATO, have promised to help financially. But even though more countries are promising to help, only a few have actually sent the money. The Czech defence minister said they can't buy ammunition on credit, so they need the money first. She asked the countries that signed agreements to send the money soon. Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal are the only ones who have sent money to buy ammunition. The first batch of ammunition is expected to reach Ukraine in early June. The Czech Prime Minister said that Ukraine will get the first shipment in a few days. The money collected so far can buy 500,000 pieces of ammunition by the end of the year. This can make a big difference in the fighting, the Czech Prime Minister said. He believes it's important for the West to help Ukraine strengthen its defenses. If Ukraine fails, it could be a threat to the Euro-Atlantic order. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala will host a meeting with seven European leaders in Prague to show support for Ukraine. They want to work together to help Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Fiala said that Europe's security is not guaranteed, so they need to be ready to prevent war. He believes it's better to be prepared and united than to face a conflict. During a recent visit to the US, Fiala said his country has already secured more than 500,000 rounds of artillery ammunition. This week, Prague will also host a meeting of NATO foreign ministers. After Russia attacked a supermarket in Kharkiv, Ukraine, killing 14 people, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský criticized Russia's actions. He plans to ask NATO ministers to increase support to stop Russian aggression.