Germany’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, has stated that the European Union (EU) is unlikely to achieve its goal of supplying Ukraine with 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. This revelation comes ahead of an EU defense ministers meeting in Brussels.
Key Points:
Target Unlikely to be Met: Pistorius expressed doubt that the EU’s target of providing Ukraine with 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition within 12 months would be reached. EU member states are collaborating with industry to boost production, but challenges persist.
EU Member States’ Agreement: In March, EU member states agreed to supply Ukraine with the specified amount of ammunition. However, logistical and production constraints are hindering the fulfillment of this commitment.
Josep Borrell’s Statement: The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, acknowledged the possibility of not meeting ammunition production targets by the end of the year. Efforts are underway to increase production capacity, but challenges exist.
Short-Term Solutions: In the short term, armies have been asked to provide ammunition from existing stocks, amounting to approximately 300,000 shots. Contracts have been awarded on the production side, but the speed of ammunition manufacturing is a crucial factor.
Ongoing Conflict Dynamics: Both Ukraine and Russia are in need of replenishing substantial amounts of ammunition as the conflict in Ukraine persists. The supply chain includes North Korea exporting over 1 million shells to Russia, and the US increasing ammunition production for Ukraine.
Concerns Over Defense Industry: Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized the urgency of ramping up the EU’s ability to supply ammunition for the Ukrainian military. He cited challenges in the defense industry’s capacity to produce sufficient quantities and the ability to enter into foreign contracts.
Historical Manufacturing Decline: Western allies, including EU member states, have faced challenges in providing Ukraine with the required ammunition due to a historical decline in conventional ammunition manufacturing after the Cold War. European countries focused on modern equipment, leading to diminished stockpiles.
Conclusion:
The EU’s struggle to meet its ammunition supply target for Ukraine reflects the complex logistical and production challenges amid the ongoing conflict. The inability to rapidly increase production and historical neglect of ammunition manufacturing capabilities pose obstacles in supporting Ukraine’s military needs.