EU will produce ammunition for Ukraine quickly, cheaply and in necessary quantity – Borrell

EU countries clearly know what ammunition Ukraine needs to defend against russian aggression and are considering ways to meet these needs as quickly as possible, with lower costs and in the necessary quantities, Ukrinform reports.

"We are allocating 2 billion euros to purchase these ammunitions. We know what kind of ammunition Ukraine needs — 155, 152, 102 mm — depending on the equipment they have," EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in Brussels. "Some remained from Soviet times, and some came with our recent help. We provide the ammunition they need, and we know what they need. There is no problem with that."

He answered journalists' questions about the probable decision of some countries, such as Germany, to supply ammunition to Ukraine independently, outside of the joint defense order for their production at the European military complex.

"Nothing is ruled out. We have a definite goal — to provide ammunition for Ukraine faster, in as much quantity as possible, and for the lowest possible price. We must be practical: quickly, cheaply, and in the necessary volume," said the top diplomat. "If Germany can do this, nothing is ruled out. But it is important, as much as possible, to move forward together. There is a project and proposals from the European Defense Agency. Fifteen member states have joined this project. But this does not exclude other actions," Borrell added.

Reference

The European Commission and the European External Action Service proposed a three-pronged approach to speed up the supply of ammunition to Ukraine, which it urgently needs.

In particular, it is planned to allocate 1 billion euros to compensate EU countries for immediate deliveries of already existing ammunition. Another 1 billion euros will be directed to the joint order of such ammunition from the European defense industry to replenish arsenals and continue the supply of ammunition to Ukraine. The third component of this plan envisages the development of the production capabilities of the European military industry to solve the challenges facing the EU in the security field in connection with russian aggression.