EU military support for Ukraine leaves the bloc 'vulnerable'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Jul 2022 18:19

The military support the EU offered Ukraine has left it lacking much weaponry and ammunition leaving the bloc more vulnerable.

EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton

The European Union's military support for Ukraine has left it short of ammunition, artillery, defense systems, and battle vehicles, according to a press conference headed by EU Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton on Tuesday. The lack of weaponry created significant weaknesses for the EU, added the commissioner.

"EU countries have responded to Ukraine's call and supported it with weapons. However, arms deliveries to Ukraine have drained European stocks of ammunition, heavy and light artillery, air defense and anti-tank systems, as well as armored vehicles and tanks. This shortage creates a situation of vulnerability that must be addressed as a matter of urgency. The new tool we are proposing today will allow for a partial restoration of weapons stocks," Breton said during a press conference.

The European Commission had earlier in the day recommended allocating 500 million euros to restock weapon supplies in EU nations, noting that the new tool aimed to acquire weapons on behalf of all member nations of the union.

"Today we are taking a historic step forward in European defense integration. As war rages on at Europe's borders, we are responding to the call of EU Heads of State by presenting today a new instrument to support, at the European level, the joint acquisition of weapons. In addition to helping replenish part of the stocks following the transfer of arms to Ukraine, we are creating an incentive through the EU budget for the Member States to buy together. Europe's defense is making great strides."

According to reports, Western nations have transferred or committed to providing Kiev with over $10 billion in military assistance since the start of the Ukraine war. This assistance included everything from weapons to ammunition.