EU secures over half the funds for two million shells for Ukraine – Kallas
Kaja Kallas. Photo: Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/via REUTERS
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the urgent need for Europe to deliver military assistance to Ukraine. Speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU defense ministers on Thursday, April 3, in Warsaw, Kallas noted that EU countries have already secured over 50% of the 5 billion euros pledged for purchasing at least 2 million pieces of ammunition for Ukraine this year.
Reuters reports this.
As Kallas emphasized, Europe should "provide assistance to Ukraine as soon as possible."
She recalled that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the need for 5 billion euros this year, which should be used to purchase at least 2 million pieces of ammunition for Ukraine's armed forces.
"I am glad that we actually already have different proposals or different countries are talking about their willingness to make their contributions, so we already have more than 50% of what is needed," Kallas said.
She added that after today's meeting, she expects the countries to report on what they can do to help Ukraine in the short term.
"The stronger the Ukrainians are on the battlefield, the stronger they are at the negotiating table," Kallas concluded.
For reference:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine's armed forces are the country's strongest security guarantee. He pointed out that the Ukrainian army plays a crucial role in European security currently and shortly. Consequently, its international partners should share the responsibility for financing and arming Ukraine's forces.
The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, has proposed an urgent military aid package that includes plans to provide Ukraine with weapons, ammunition, and other types of assistance.
However, the European Union may change its approach to military aid to Ukraine, focusing on the immediate supply of two million artillery shells, rather than creating an extensive support fund. The European Union is currently working on implementing this initiative to provide the Ukrainian army with the necessary ammunition as soon as possible.
