EU uncertain of meeting 1Mln artillery rounds for Ukraine: Borrell

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Nov 2023 22:24

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell admitted that reaching the 1 million rounds target for Ukraine might face delays due to production and contract implementation speed.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, center, arrives for a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Monday that meeting the target of delivering 1 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine by the end of 2023 is uncertain for the EU, citing production capacity limitations.

Back in March, the EU established a 2 billion euro ($2.14 billion) initiative to supply Ukraine with 1 million rounds within the following 12 months, utilizing joint procurement and national stockpile donations. Reports indicate that only roughly 30% of the ammunition has been delivered to date.

"We continue having this target [1 million rounds to Ukraine] and maybe we will not reach it by the end of the year, but it will depend on how quickly the contracts will be implemented and how quickly the factories will produce [the ammunition]," Borrell told a press conference following an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

The EU has been endeavoring to uphold its commitment by requesting national armies to contribute ammunition from their reserves, Borrell mentioned, noting that the EU secured "something more than 300,000 shots" through these efforts.

Today, the EU’s 27 foreign ministers passed a united message of support to Ukraine, as we welcomed FM @DmytroKuleba.

Ukraine is EU’s top priority - there will be no fatigue to our commitment. I am working, following up to the #EUCO tasking, on our future security commitments. pic.twitter.com/bfHFitm5km
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) November 13, 2023

On November 11, in a video address to the Congress of the Party of European Socialists, Borrell remarked that the EU faces several challenges, notably the Ukraine conflict, noting that Russia's defeat in the near term is not expected.

"We are facing many problems. Europe is dealing with a double challenge. Firstly, it is Ukraine where Russia's defeat is not expected in the near future," Borrell said.

Even considering this reality, Borrell emphasized the importance of the EU's continued support for Kiev, especially given the probable reduction in aid from the US.

The top EU diplomat highlighted the war on Gaza as the second significant challenge for Europe, attributing it to the "political and moral failure of the international community."

Ukrainian troops face shortage in ammo

A report by The Wall Street Journal said that Ukrainian soldiers are facing shortages in both ammunition and manpower, compelling them to deploy drone operators and armored vehicle crews to the frontlines in their conflict with Russia.

The report mentioned that due to various issues, including ammunition shortages, Ukraine has been unable to take the offensive on the battlefield. Consequently, they had to transition to a defensive stance after months of counteroffensive operations.

"It's a trench deadlock ... A general offensive is impossible for either side. Neither side can break through," a senior Ukrainian security official was quoted as saying by the newspaper.