Josep Borrell said that the heads of the defense departments of the EU countries will consider political decisions on the provision of ammunition to Ukraine. These are immediate, medium-term and long-term measures.
The High Representative of the EU noted this on March 8 before the start of an informal meeting of EU defense ministers in Stockholm. He also noted that this informal meeting is very important.
Borrell named 3 options to provide APU with ammunition
Today (March 8 – Channel 24), not formally, but politically, we will work out directions for the next joint meeting with the foreign ministers. There is a question – how to support Ukraine, better, faster and stronger,” Borrell said.
He noted that heavy fighting continues in Ukraine, our state needs more ammunition.
“I have submitted proposals that will be discussed by ministers. These proposals were created together with the European External Action Service, with the European Defense Agency, which I have the honor to head, and with the European Commission. They have three components,” said the High Representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy.
According to him, there are three options:
- the first is to provide ammunition quickly from existing stocks. Then it's about weeks. According to Borrell: “So we must use what we already have. What the European armies already have in their warehouses and what they have already ordered from industry”;
- the second is to make a decision on a joint order of ammunition, to determine the circle of countries ready to participate in such an order in order to replenish their own stocks and transfer part of this order to Ukraine in the medium term;
- the third is to increase the capabilities of our defense industry.
We cannot seriously talk about our ability to have strategic autonomy and take responsibility if we do not have sufficient defense capability in our industry. We are working on this together with the European Commission, and we will see how to increase these opportunities, – said the high representative of the EU.
According to Josep Borrell, one billion euros will be spent on immediate assistance for Ukraine, and up to 4 billion euros on medium-term assistance and general orders.
Ukraine expects to receive a million shells from partners
Aleksey Reznikov said that it is a priority for us to receive air defense systems, ammunition and shells of 155 mm caliber. Therefore, Ukraine is negotiating with European partners, with EU defense ministers.
The number one priority is air defense systems, as well as ammunition, ammunition and more ammunition. That is why I support the initiative of my friend Hanno Pevkur (Minister of Defense of Estonia – Channel 24) to supply 1 million shells for artillery systems of 155 mm caliber, – explained the Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
The official also noted that it is important for us to continue deliveries of armored vehicles to Ukraine, in particular infantry fighting vehicles and tanks, which will help create a “steel fist” on the eve of the counteroffensive. Read more about weapons for Ukraine – read here.
