2.02.2024 – Translated from Ukrainian via Google and OFP
The informal meeting of EU defense ministers took place in open and open discussions. One of the key topics was providing Ukraine with artillery shells.
This was announced by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. His article was published on the EU Diplomatic Service website.
“In March 2023, the EU and its member states committed to supply Ukraine with 1 million artillery shells within one year. Based on the information we have received so far, we will deliver 524 thousand shells, 52% of the target, by March,” writes European diplomat
According to him, in Europe they realize that in the fierce battles at the front, the Ukrainian military urgently needs more ammunition.
“However, we also knew from the outset that the target set last year was very ambitious. Global ammunition shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, limited stocks and the time required for new investments are among the reasons for this delay. I have advised states members that we need to do more and faster. The European Defense Agency has signed 60 framework contracts with European manufacturers for the joint procurement of 155 mm ammunition,” Borrell said.
He also said that according to his data, 631,000 additional ammunition will be transferred to Ukraine by the end of the year.
“This means that by the end of 2024 we will supply more than one million shells. It is important to keep in mind that in addition to these donations from the European Union and its member states, the European defense industry is also supplying additional artillery ammunition to Ukraine under commercial contracts,” explained EU representative.
He also added that according to information provided by European Commissioner Thierry Breton, European production capacity of artillery shells has increased by 40% since the start of the Russian war against Ukraine and amounts to about 1 million shells per year.
“By the end of 2024, this capacity should reach 1.4 million shells per year. This will allow us to replenish stocks and at the same time continue to deliver ammunition to Ukraine,” concluded Josep Borrell.
As OBOZ.UA reported, Europe most likely will not be able to fulfill its promise to send 1 million artillery shells to Ukraine by March, so the Czech Republic advises looking for suppliers outside the EU. Prime Minister Petr Fiala said this during the EU leaders’ summit.
The Czech Republic’s call raises the possibility that Europe will turn to defense companies in Turkey, South Korea and South Africa.
We have only verified information in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel , Threads and Viber . Don’t be fooled by fakes!
It’s high time for Europe to hand over artillery ammo. There are still plenty of roaches to send to hell.
“The Czech Republic’s call raises the possibility that Europe will turn to defense companies in Turkey, South Korea and South Africa.”
This should have happened months ago, when it became apparent that the target will be missed. There’s no good excuse for not pulling out all stops to get this essential, even existential delivery done. Because that deadline, March 2024, is a very real one: Soldiers will die because of a lack of ammunition. The failure of the EU to achieve its own goal is tragic and shameful.
Indeed, it’s especially shameful when you compare the ammo that dark, little, dirt-poor north korea managed to deliver to mafia land to what Ukraine got from the collective West with its purported industrial and economic might.
Yeah, it’s sadly rather obvious that the West hasn’t put his whole “industrial might” behind the task, but just a very minor part of it.