In battle mode

Behind the scenes of Czech aid to Ukraine: how improvisation sparked the ammunition initiative

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, there was no blueprint on how to react. Tomáš Kopečný was serving as Deputy Minister of Defence at the time – and within a few days, he found himself at the heart of an effort that went far beyond his job description and the standard procedures of public administration. The Czech Republic became one of the first European countries to launch large-scale weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Supported by political leadership and driven by the extraordinary dedication of people across the state apparatus, they blazed trails where none existed: connecting Ukraine's needs with the Czech defence industry, sourcing military hardware and ammunition globally, and building a system that eventually evolved into the Czech ammunition initiative. Tomáš Kopečný was right at the centre of it. He takes us behind the scenes of negotiations usually hidden from the public eye. He reveals the inner workings of high-ranking officials, diplomacy, and international relations, showing why a small country can sometimes act faster than global superpowers. This fascinating look at the first years of the war is also a story of improvisation, trust, friendship, and the courage to take responsibility. It shows what the Czech state can achieve when political will unites with people who look for ways to get things done instead of finding excuses.