The European Union plans to fully deliver on its promise to provide Ukraine’s Defense Forces with 2 million artillery shells by October.
This was stated by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during her speech at the European Parliament at the opening of debates on Ukraine.
“We have fulfilled 80% of our pledge of two million rounds of ammunition. We aim to reach 100% by October,” Kallas said.
Speaking about the EU’s overall support for Ukraine, Kallas emphasized that Europe has already provided nearly €169 billion in financial aid since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, including over €63 billion in military assistance.
“This year alone, member states will provide €25 billion for this purpose — more than ever before,” Kallas stated.
She highlighted the three pillars of EU support for Ukraine:
- Strengthening Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
- Supporting internal security and resilience through the EU’s civilian mission.
- Boosting Ukraine’s defense industry.
Kallas noted that Europe has become the largest sponsor of Ukraine’s defense industry, thanks to revenues generated from frozen Russian assets.
“Russia’s assets must remain frozen until it ends its aggression against Ukraine and compensates Ukraine for the billions of euros in damages it has caused and continues to cause. That is what the European Council has declared. It is crucial that we deliver on this commitment,” she stressed.
Separately, Kallas underlined that Ukraine’s accession to the European Union gives the Ukrainian people hope for a free and prosperous future, calling for the opening of Cluster 1 in accession negotiations.
“What Russia believed was inevitable has not happened. Russia has not broken Ukraine’s resolve, and it must not break ours. To those who still have doubts — do not doubt. Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security, and as long as Russia continues its illegal war, we must continue the fight,” Kallas concluded.
