site.btaEU Plans to Deliver Twice as Much Ammunition to Ukraine in Coming Months as in 2024

By the end of the year, the EU plans to provide Ukraine with two million shells, twice as much as last year, said at a press conference Austrian General Robert Brieger, Chair of the EU Military Committee, after Thursday's meeting of European defence chiefs in Brussels.

He explained that the war in Ukraine has entered a phase of exhaustion and Europe must support Kyiv with everything it can. This war has shown the need for a more capable and coordinated European defence, the general added, noting that the Russian attack is not only creating a regional crisis, but is an attack on the international order, European values ​​and the basic principles of sovereignty and self-determination.

The best way to ensure peace is by deterring those who threaten it, said Brieger, stressing that Europe today is not protected and is at a crossroads, facing complex and interconnected threats. The answer requires not only statements, but also political will, unity and means of action, he argued.

Brieger pointed out that the European institutions have identified gaps in the EU's military capabilities that urgently need to be addressed. Among the gaps, the General noted the shortage of ammunition, air defence and counter-drone capabilities, the need to improve military mobility and strategic intelligence capabilities. It will take years, if there is political will, to address these gaps, summed up the EU Military Committee Chair.