EU plans to deliver jointly funded ammunition to Ukraine within weeks

Ukraine is set to receive vital artillery ammunition within weeks after Brussels proposed reimbursing countries that provided shells from their stockpiles, according to EU officials, reported from the Financial Times.

All EU countries except Denmark have joined a project that paves the way for common procurement of replacement supplies, an official said.

"I think this will go fast, very fast. And I think we’re talking about a matter of days, weeks, rather than a matter of months,” the person, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.

Kyiv has made clear that its most pressing need as it seeks to hold off a renewed Russia offensive is for artillery ammunition - particularly 155mm howitzer rounds. The Russian military fires four times as many shells as Ukraine each day.

A proposal by the EU diplomatic service, seen by the Financial Times, suggests providing €1 billion from an existing fund used to reimburse capitals for arms purchases that go to Ukraine. The EU official said the bloc’s defense agency would then "conduct a fast-track procedure for direct negotiation with a number of key industrial providers in Europe”. 

There are 12 companies in the EU producing 155mm shells and Norway also makes them, they said.

"It is positive that things are moving ahead. I am confident there will be results. But there are many issues to discuss,” said an EU diplomat.

EU defense ministers will refine the plan next week before a summit of EU leaders on March 23-24.





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