800 thousand shells for Ukraine: a member of the Bundestag named three countries blocking the purchase

The Bundestag named three countries blocking purchase of 800 thousand shells to Ukraine/Collage 24 Channel

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag Michael Roth named three countries that are now buying shells for Ukraine. We are talking about 800 thousand ammunition.

However, this decision was blocked by France, Greece and Cyprus. These countries have banned the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine outside the European Union.

A member of the Bundestag explained the obstacles to the purchase of ammunition to Ukraine

According to Michael Roth, such blocking is one of the big strategic mistakes of the European Union.

Buy European – it sounds good, and it is crystal clear. We have a responsibility to develop the European defense industry. But our friends here in Ukraine need more military equipment and ammunition right now,” he noted.

Therefore, the chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee proposes to buy military equipment for Ukraine on the world market. According to him, this is the only chance to help our state right now.

“I know this sounds a little strange. But, if a huge aid package for Ukraine does not pass through the US Congress , then we will have to buy military equipment in the United States and we must be prepared for this,” he explained.

Another strategic mistake, according to Roth, is the European Union’s promise to supply Ukraine with 1 million shells by March 2024. After all, this promise was not fulfilled.

We are good in words, especially in the words of the President of the European Commission. But we are not as good as we should be when it comes to action, Roth emphasized.

The Bundestag member noted that this is why the EU cannot fulfill its promise to deliver artillery shells until the end of March. Instead, it will deliver about 500 thousand.

In his statement, Roth also emphasized that, despite efforts to increase the production of shells for Ukraine, EU countries will not be able to meet demand. He suggested purchasing ammunition from the world market as a viable solution.

France eventually supported the ammunition idea

• Bloomberg journalists reported on February 27 that France and the Netherlands supported a plan to purchase ammunition outside of Europe. This is necessary to quickly deliver necessary military equipment to Ukraine, as our state's forces face a continued Russian offensive.
• Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters as he left the meeting that his country agreed to contribute 100 million euros to the Prague Plan, and expressed hope that other capitals would follow suit. Petr Fiala at the extraordinary summit of European leaders in Paris on February 26. This is necessary to demonstrate support for Kyiv and emphasize the West's determination to help it win against Russia.