Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking increased military aid, including artillery shells, during a visit to Prague aimed at bolstering support from allies. He met with Czech leaders Monday to discuss supplies and cooperation.
Mr. Zelenskyy expressed optimism about securing three million artillery shells from partners in 2025, noting that 1.8 million are expected through a Czech-led initiative. He praised the Czech program, which helps supply ammunition to Ukraine, largely financed by North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. Zelenskyy says such international cooperation is vital, contrasting it with North Korea's assistance to Russia.
Discussions in Prague also included potential joint ventures, with Mr. Zelenskyy scheduled to meet with Czech defence companies. A possible Ukrainian-Czech pilot training school for F16 fighter jets was also reportedly considered, though security concerns prevent establishing it in Ukraine.
Accompanying Mr. Zelenskyy was First Lady Olena Zelenskyy, who also participated in engagements. They were welcomed Sunday by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský upon arrival. The minister said on X he received the presidential couple at the airport.
The visit follows recent strikes inside Russia. Ukrainian forces struck an electrical equipment plant in Russia's Bryansk region, local officials reported. Kyiv claimed the factory produced electronics for Russia's defense industry. The government's Centre for Countering Disinformation said the Strela factory in Suzemka was no longer operational after the strike.
Russia's defense ministry said its air defenses destroyed 26 Ukrainian drones targeting Russian territory overnight Sunday into Monday, including four aimed at Moscow. Seventeen drones were reported downed over the Bryansk region and five over the Kaluga region. The aviation authority Rosaviatsia briefly halted flights at Domodedovo airport near Moscow.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continues to impact global energy markets. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, are reportedly set to accelerate oil output increases. Sources told Reuters that 2.2 million barrels per day of voluntary cuts could be unwound by October.
Increased oil production could potentially lower prices, straining Russia's economy, which relies heavily on oil revenues. These revenues comprise around 30% of Russia's state budget. U.S. President Donald Trump previously suggested lower oil prices could help end the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated there was no need to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
"There has been no need to use those \nuclear weapons … and I hope they will not be required,” Mr. Putin said.
