According to Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová, funds derived from frozen Russian assets in EU countries will be allocated to supply Ukraine with ammunition. Though specific amounts were not disclosed, Černochová indicated that the resources would be used to deliver “hundreds of thousands” of large-caliber munitions.
Černochová emphasized that this initiative represents a strategic opportunity to aid Ukraine, leverage resources originally held by Russia, and safeguard European public finances. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that these shipments are scheduled to commence “in the coming months,” ensuring that the ammunition will soon be operational on the front lines.
Czech President Petr Pavel had previously suggested the acquisition of ammunition for Ukraine from non-EU sources during the Munich Security Conference in February. He announced that the Czech Republic had identified stockpiles of 500,000 155-mm projectiles and 300,000 122-mm shells, which could be delivered to Kyiv within weeks contingent on allied financial backing.
This proposal has garnered support from 18 nations. The initial shipment of shells was received by the Ukrainian armed forces in June, with ongoing deliveries of 50,000 to 100,000 units scheduled monthly.
In response to Russia’s invasion, G7 countries, the EU, and Australia had frozen $280 billion in assets belonging to Russia’s Central Bank. These assets are primarily held by the Belgian depository Euroclear, which reported a net profit of 4.4 billion euros in 2023 and an additional 1.6 billion euros in early 2024. The EU agreed in the spring to reallocate these profits to Ukraine, with the first 1.5 billion euro tranche announced on July 26. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that these funds would support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that this allocation would also finance air defense systems and artillery ammunition, with another tranche of equal value anticipated by year-end.
Since the onset of the invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has received extensive military support from Western nations, notably the United States, which has provided approximately $54 billion in military aid as of mid-2024. This aid includes a range of weapon systems, training, and intelligence support.
In addition to U.S. contributions, other nations and entities, including NATO and EU members, have provided substantial aid. The UK has pledged nearly £7.6 billion, while the EU has committed around €11.1 billion through its European Peace Facility. Overall, international military aid to Ukraine has exceeded $100 billion since the invasion began.
This aid is sourced from various U.S. and allied budgets. The Pentagon’s budget, including the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), plays a significant role. USAI specifically targets enhancements to Ukraine’s defense capabilities, while PDA enables the President to transfer defense resources from existing U.S. stocks without congressional approval, addressing urgent needs.
Supplemental appropriations bills passed by Congress have also provided tens of billions of dollars in emergency military aid to Ukraine, outside the regular budgetary process.
European financial support for military assistance is derived from several key sources. National defense budgets play a significant role, similar to the U.S. approach. European nations and NATO allies allocate military aid through their respective defense budgets. This includes substantial contributions from the UK, through the Ministry of Defence, as well as from Germany and Canada.
Another critical funding avenue is the European Peace Facility (EPF). Managed by the European Union, the EPF is a specialized fund designed for military operations and support, with financing sourced from contributions by EU member states’ national budgets.
The EPF facilitates a range of military support activities, including the procurement of weapon systems and ammunition, as well as training, intelligence support, and logistical assistance. A considerable portion of this aid is also directed towards domestic use within donor countries. For example, in the U.S., funds are employed to replenish military stockpiles and sustain defense manufacturing capabilities.
