EU to Double Heavy Ammunition Deliveries to Ukraine as Germany, UK Defence Chiefs Meet in Berlin
The European Union will double its heavy calibre ammunition deliveries to Ukraine this year, the bloc’s military chief announced on Thursday, as European leaders intensify efforts to support Kyiv amid Russia’s continued aggression, The Gaze reports, citing Euronews.
The announcement came as German and British defence ministers met in Berlin for their inaugural council since last year’s military cooperation deal, focusing on strengthening ties and coordinating support for Ukraine.
“Today’s meeting shows that we not only agree on important projects, which would only be half the battle, but also that we implement them together and quite quickly,” said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
The talks occurred as NATO foreign ministers gathered in Turkey to discuss a U.S.-led push to boost defence spending, while Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal for direct talks in Turkey. Representatives from both sides are still expected to meet.
UK Defence Minister John Healey stressed the significance of Putin’s absence. “This is a day which exposes Putin for what he is. He says he wants peace but he rejected a full ceasefire. He says he wants to end fighting, but he continues to strike and kill Ukrainian civilians and cities. And he says he wants to talk but he doesn’t even turn up to the very conference that he called for in Istanbul today,” Healey said.
Meanwhile, EU Military Committee Chairman Robert Brieger confirmed that the bloc aims to deliver 2 million rounds of heavy ammunition to Ukraine this year, doubling 2023 volumes.
“The goal is to deliver a 2 million rounds of heavy calibre ammunition to your country during the current year. So it’s about doubling the amount of the last year,” Brieger said.
Brieger also warned that the EU lacks sufficient maritime resources to counter Russia’s shadow fleet. “When such a mission would be launched, it would be crucial that through a respective force sensing and diligent planning, we can secure in advance that we have enough ships, enough airplanes, and enough resources to carry out such a mission, should it be credible,” he said.
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