Czechia to provide Ukraine with helicopters, train pilots

Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala stated this at a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in Prague on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Fiala confirmed to Zelensky today that the Czech Republic is donating helicopters to Ukraine, and in the coming months will transfer 100,000 rounds of large-caliber ammunition.

He also informed that the Czech Republic will take part in pilot training, including on F-16 fighter jets, and will also provide simulators so that pilots can train in Ukraine.

Fiala reminded that the Czech Republic is one of Ukraine's most active assistants in all areas (financial, economic, and humanitarian), and one of the largest suppliers of military equipment and ammunition.

In almost 500 days, the Czech Republic has transferred 676 pieces of heavy equipment and over 4 million pieces of ammunition.

Petr Fiala has estimated that every day since the beginning of Russia's war, an average of 10,000 pieces of ammunition and at least one tank, air defense system, special vehicle, etc. have been sent to Ukraine from Czechia.

He added that Prague is also working with other partners in this area, in particular, with regard to the repair of heavy equipment at Czech military-industrial enterprises. He cited the repair of T-72 tanks together with the Netherlands as an example.

The Prime Minister informed that at a government meeting with entrepreneurs, the issue of joint production by Czech and Ukrainian defense companies was discussed. He called these projects important, ones that can strengthen the state's combat capability. This is no aid but cooperation, the politician said.

The Czech Prime Minister assured that he considers supporting Ukraine to be one of his priorities.

The security of Ukraine is the security of Europe, Ukraine is fighting for the security of the entire continent, Fiala emphasized. He promised to continue to support Ukraine very intensively both on its way to victory and in post-war reconstruction.

As reported, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Prague between the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic on cooperation in the defense industry.