Ukraine’s arms aid addressed defense ministers gathered in Brussels. The EU’s goal is to deliver one million ammunition to Ukraine.
BRUSSELS EU countries have accelerated their ammunition deliveries to Ukraine. This was the director of external relations by Josep Borrell message after the meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels.
Borrellin referred to recent figures according to which EU countries have delivered 220,000 artillery shells and 1,300 missiles to Ukraine.
Ukraine is desperately short of ammunition in its all-consuming defensive war against Russia.
– The coming days, weeks and months will be strategically decisive for the war in Ukraine. I think everyone agrees on this, Borrell said.
The EU has promised to deliver one million artillery shells to Ukraine within a year. The goal has been considered challenging from the point of view of the defense industry.
However, Borrell said that he is optimistic that the goal of one million rounds will be reached.
Kaikkonen: The goods have been put into motion
The Minister of Defense who represented the Ministry of Defense of Finland Antti Kaikkonen (central) emphasized the urgency of the promised arms and ammunition aid to Ukraine.
– We think it is important to ensure that the measures regarding Ukraine’s support are implemented quickly and flexibly, taking Ukraine’s needs into account.
According to Kaikkonen, it is positive that ammunition production and deliveries have been speeded up. However, according to him, the goal of one million ammunition is very ambitious.
– The goods are being launched and have been launched. But yes, there is still a long way to go to the goal of a million bullets.
Among the EU countries, France in particular has emphasized that the ammunition donated to Ukraine should be manufactured in Europe. According to Kaikkonen, decisions should be based on Ukraine’s needs.
– The matter should not be looked at from the point of view of protectionism, but from the point of view of helping Ukraine.
Stoltenberg emphasized the cooperation of the allies
NATO Secretary General who participated in the working lunch of the meeting Jens Stoltenberg also emphasized the importance of broad-based cooperation to support Ukraine.
– We must avoid creating new obstacles between NATO allies. The transatlantic industrial base must be strengthened in order to secure our own stocks, maintain our deterrence, and continue to support Ukraine.
Stoltenberg also commented on the discussion about donating modern F-16 fighters.
According to him, it shows the long-term commitment of the allies to strengthen the defense of Ukraine.