Czech Republic provides half a million artillery shells, Sweden continues to pump money, Berlin does not allow Kiev to use German weapons to attack Russian territory

On November 22, during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha at the beginning of an official visit to Kiev, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky pledged that Prague would continue to support Ukraine.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks during a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriiy Sybiha in Kiev, Ukraine, November 22. (Source: AP)

Mr. Lipavsky stressed that the Czech Republic "is well aware of the challenges and difficult decisions that await Ukraine, but Ukraine will not be alone."

According to him, as part of the Czech-led ammunition initiative, 500,000 artillery shells will be delivered to Ukraine by the end of this year and the initiative will continue.

The diplomat also reiterated that Prague supports Kiev's accession to the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) because it is "necessary to ensure Ukraine's security".

Lipavsky’s visit comes a day after Russia launched one of its latest medium-range missiles armed with non-nuclear warheads into Ukraine, in what both the Czech and Ukrainian foreign ministers called an escalation and a show of force by Moscow.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine (February 2022), the Czech Republic has remained one of Kiev's biggest supporters and was one of the first countries to supply heavy weapons to Ukraine.

In another related development, despite harsh warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sweden affirmed that it will continue to provide military support to Ukraine, considering it an investment in its own security.

Speaking at a joint press conference on November 22 with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov in Stockholm, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Johnson strongly stated that the country will not bow to moves from Moscow.

Along with this statement, Sweden announced a significant aid package for Ukraine to purchase long-range missiles and drones.

Stockholm also expressed its readiness to support Kiev in developing its long-range weapons production capacity.

Sweden's statement came just a day after President Putin accused the conflict in Ukraine of becoming "global" and criticized Western countries for allowing Ukraine to use its weapons to attack Russian territory.

Meanwhile, also on November 22, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed his firm stance on not providing Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, while rejecting the possibility of allowing the use of German weapons to attack Russian territory.

Speaking at the Social Democratic Party (SPD) congress in Berlin, Mr. Scholz emphasized his view that he did not want Ukraine to possess missiles capable of attacking deep into Russia, affirming that he would not allow the use of any heavy military equipment provided by Germany for this purpose.

According to the head of the German government, only the SPD party can maintain a balance between caution and support for Kiev.

He also expressed his commitment to exercise restraint so as not to escalate the current tense situation, especially when people are feeling anxious and insecure.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/support-ukraine-czech-cap-nua-trieu-qua-dan-phao-thuy-dien-tiep-uc-bom-tien-berlin-khong-cho-phap-kiev-dung-vu-khi-duc-tan-cong-lanh-tho-nga-294801.html