Czech ammo aid to Ukraine may be at risk after elections, president warns

Pavel said this in the interview with the BBC.

Pavel said he was “focused on maintaining a unified approach” to defense and Ukraine, calling support for Kyiv “an integral part of our own security.” However, he admitted: “I cannot give guarantees now, much will depend on [election] results.”

The Czech Republic has led a key initiative to supply artillery shells to Ukraine, buying ammunition from third countries with NATO-backed funds. In 2024 alone, the initiative has delivered around 1.5 million shells, with 1.8 million expected this year. Of those, 800,000 are 155mm rounds.

“Two years ago their firepower was 1 to 10 compared to Russia. Now it’s 1 to 2,” Pavel said. That means Ukraine can finally plan its operations knowing what ammunition is coming.

Still, the president warned that political change could threaten this effort. Former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, a leading opposition figure and possible future PM, is seen as less predictable on Ukraine. Although not openly pro-Russian, Babiš has drawn support from voters skeptical of Czech involvement in the war.

During the 2023 presidential race, Babiš lost to Pavel, who ran on a strongly pro-Ukraine platform.

Pavel also sounded alarms about Russia’s hybrid warfare across Europe, accusing Moscow of sabotage, espionage, and spreading disinformation. “Russian intelligence is making so many sabotage attempts on our territory that we are simply obliged to protect our society,” he said.

With U.S. arms shipments to Ukraine now paused due to Pentagon stockpile concerns, Pavel urged Western allies to “face reality” and step up pressure on Vladimir Putin. He said he’s open to dialogue with Russia, but only “if they approach the talks realistically.”