European Ammunition Sales Halt for Non-Ukraine Countries Advocated by Kuleba – Sky Bulletin
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Amidst the Ukrainian military’s pressing ammunition shortfall, the nation’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, urges Europe to halt export of ammunition to countries other than Ukraine, as per his interview with RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) published on February 26.
The U.S. has stalled $61 billion in aid funds, leading to a potential dire situation in Ukraine with reports indicating a looming crisis in ammunition and air defense supplies within weeks. Kuleba emphasizes, “All contracts for the export of ammunition produced in Europe to third countries must be put on hold, and all such ammunition should be sent to Ukraine,” as per the discussion with RND. He believes that every cartridge produced in Europe must support Europe’s defense.
The shortage is recognized by Ukraine’s European allies, who admit delays in amplifying production, signing long-term contracts, and launching new production lines. Kuleba remarks that the current scenario is the price for these delays.
Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, encouraged member states after a Brussels meeting to seek ammunition procurement for Ukraine from outside the bloc, should the alternatives be more efficient or cost-effective.
Borrell mentioned that European defense industries claim they are capable of boosting ammunition production. A plan to finance purchase of 800,000 artillery shells beyond EU borders, proposed by Czechia, is in the works, with South Korea, Turkey, or South Africa as possible providers, according to Politico.
While Canada readies to support Czechia with up to $22 million, disagreements arise within the EU from France, Greece, and Cyprus due to their own interests and diplomatic relations.
Denmark, heeding Ukraine’s plea for assistance, resolved to donate all its artillery rounds. And Estonia’s Foreign Intelligence Service warns that Western ammunition deliveries in 2024 will likely not match Russia’s artillery output, widening the supply gap further.
The EU aims to deliver over 1 million shells to Ukraine by the end of 2024 to mitigate the shortfall.
Ukraine’s withdrawal from Avdiivka highlighted the urgency for more military support including artillery, air defense, long-range weapons, and fortifications. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov mentioned the constrained capacity of Ukraine to utilize more than 2,000 shells daily, against Russia’s average.
FAQ
Why is there a call to suspend ammunition exports to countries other than Ukraine?
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called for this suspension due to the critical shortages of ammunition being faced by Ukraine’s military.
What is the source of Ukraine’s ammunition shortage issue?
A major factor is the $61 billion in U.S. funding being held up in Congress, halting defense aid deliveries to Ukraine.
What are some ongoing efforts to address the ammunition shortage?
European countries are discussing increasing their own production, and countries like Canada are ready to co-finance purchases of ammunition from outside the EU.
Why do some EU countries oppose buying ammunition from certain producers?
Countries such as Greece and Cyprus prefer not to purchase arms from Turkish producers due to strained diplomatic relations with Turkey.
How much ammunition does the EU plan to deliver to Ukraine?
The EU aims to provide Ukraine with over 1 million shells by the end of 2024.
Conclusion
In light of the dire need for ammunition in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s call to prioritize the country in European ammunition exports reflects a necessary strategic shift to reinforce Ukraine’s defenses. As the EU grapples with internal disputes on procurement sources and seeks to increase production capabilities, the urgency of Ukraine’s situation underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics at play and the pressing need for international cooperation. The upcoming period will be crucial in determining how the arms shortage issue will be managed and whether Ukraine will receive the essential support it needs for its military operations.
Note: TheUBJ has rewritten the news content from various sources through AI news feed technology. The original source for the interview can be referenced at Kyiv Independent.
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