EU has failed to gather 2m shells for Ukraine for 2026 – Kallas
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has said that the initiative to provide Ukraine with 2 million rounds of ammunition in 2026 has not yet been implemented.
She said this after a meeting of the Council of the EU, Censor.NET reports with reference to European Pravda.
"As for the ammunition initiative, I must sadly say that we have not yet met the target," Kallas said, adding that the European Union has so far failed to collect the required number of rounds.
At the same time, she said that one of the EU member states will make another decision in the coming weeks that will partially help to implement the initiative. During the meeting, ministers also heard from Ukraine’s Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal on the needs of Ukraine’s defence sector.
Kallas noted that Ukraine now primarily needs drones and other capabilities, but "ammunition is still necessary". She stressed that work on the initiative is ongoing.
Background
- The European Union and its member states are counting on increasing deliveries of artillery ammunition to Ukraine this year, including reaching 2 million rounds.
- Under the EU initiative to supply Ukraine with 2 million rounds of ammunition in 2025, commitments have already been declared for 80% of the planned volume.
- The European Union plans to fulfil its pledge to provide Ukraine with 2 million artillery shells by October.
