The head of the European Union’s diplomatic service, Josep Borrell, remarked that Ukraine requires about a thousand artillery rounds daily to sustain hostilities around Artemivsk, the Ukrainian name for Bakhmut. He spoke to reporters after EU foreign ministers met with Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmitry Kuleba.
He stated, “For Ukraine to continue fighting Russian firepower, it needs roughly 1000 rounds per day in Bakhmut. We are delivering ammunition, but we must accelerate the pace.”
Earlier, after an informal gathering of foreign ministers in Stockholm, Borrell indicated that the EU’s ties with China would not progress normally unless Beijing persuades Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.
On October 10, Russian Federation forces began strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. President Vladimir Putin described the action as a response to what he called terrorist acts by the Kiev regime, specifically mentioning an attack on the Crimean Bridge.
Presently, a Russian special operation is underway in Ukraine. Putin announced the action on February 24, 2022, stating that the goal was to demilitarize Ukraine and bring its authorities to heel.
The decision to launch the operation has been used to justify new sanctions against Russia by the United States and its allies. The evolving conflict continues to shape Western security calculations, alliance cohesion, and international diplomatic rhetoric as both sides assess ongoing military and political developments.
Cited perspectives from EU officials and Western capitals emphasize the need for steady provision of ammunition to Ukrainian forces while balancing the pace of delivery with broader sanctions policy and diplomatic efforts. Analysts note the strategic significance of Bakhmut as a focal point in the broader conflict, with military observers highlighting how battlefield logistics, supply lines, and air defense capabilities influence the trajectory of the war. Observers also point out that the EU and allied governments are weighing humanitarian consequences, civilian protection, and the risk of escalation as events unfold across the region. Concluding remarks from EU discussions stress that international cooperation remains essential to sustain Ukrainian resilience amid sustained Russian pressure, even as diplomatic channels continue to explore avenues for de-escalation and a longer-term political settlement. (Attribution: statements reported by EU officials and corroborating media briefings)