The Czech Republic has been sending old Soviet-designed tanks into Ukraine, providing badly needed heavy weapons to outgunned Ukrainian troops that are battling a much better-equipped Russian invasion force.
The efforts, described by three Czech and Slovak officials, mark the first time a foreign country has provided tanks to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began Feb. 24.
In a potentially even more important development, both the Czech Republic and Slovakia are considering opening their military-industrial installations to repair and refit damaged Ukrainian military equipment.
A spokesperson for the Defence Ministry said the Czech Republic had sent military aid worth nearly CZK 1 billion to Ukraine since the beginning of the war but declined to give any further details.
The Czech vehicles are only the latest example of military equipment coming from the West. Germany on April 1 approved the delivery to Ukraine of several dozen infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) amid criticism that Berlin has not been sending enough military aid to Kyiv.
NATO allies will discuss the delivery of more weapons to Ukraine when foreign ministers meet on Wednesday and Thursday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.
