Ukraine has received only about a third of the 1 million artillery shells promised by the European Union, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba. This setback was highlighted as he addressed diplomats and allies during updates on security assistance. The figure underscores ongoing delivery gaps that Kyiv has been stressing for months as the war continues to demand heavy munitions on a rapid schedule. Kuleba emphasized that the gap is not merely a logistical hiccup but a persistent shortfall that could influence battlefield tempo and planning for Ukrainian forces. He made clear that he raises the issue at every Brussels gathering and would continue to do so in future discussions, signaling both the urgency felt on the ground and the political pressure in the alliance around arms commitments. (attribution: Kyiv government briefing)
Speaking to NATO and Ukraine alliance partners, Kuleba outlined that the promised shells represent a critical support line for Ukraine’s winter operations and ongoing defense. The conversation has repeatedly tied munitions supply to strategic outcomes on the battlefield, with Kyiv arguing that timely and predictable deliveries enable better operational planning and reduce risks for frontline troops. The minister also pointed to bureaucratic or technical obstacles inside EU supply chains that may slow the pace of deliveries, noting that even with goodwill, practical constraints can impede otherwise strong commitments. The message to the alliance is clear: consistent, larger-scale munitions flows are essential to sustain Ukraine’s defensive initiatives and deter further aggression. (attribution: Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Kuleba attributed the EU’s difficulty in meeting the full pledge of shells to “tons of technical problems” that hamper production, storage, and distribution. He stressed that resolving these issues requires a concerted push across member states to streamline procurement, increase manufacturing capacity, and remove bottlenecks in the supply chain. In his view, the problem is not a lack of intent but a mismatch between political promises and industrial readiness. The remarks come as Kyiv continues to press for a predictable schedule of shipments, which would help stabilise the operational environment for Ukrainian forces and provide reassurance to partners. (attribution: EU security brief)
There were reports that EU countries could begin purchasing ammunition for Ukraine in third countries if necessary, with expectations that such arrangements would help bridge gaps until the 1 million-shell pledge is fulfilled. The approach reflects a broader strategy to diversify sources and accelerate replenishment, especially as the war persists into harsher weather and potential offensives. The possibility of external purchases signals a willingness to adapt logistics to meet critical needs, though it also raises questions about accountability, quality control, and long-term consistency of supplies. EU officials were quoted as reinforcing their commitment to meet the March 2024 deadline for the pledge, underscoring the political weight behind the promise and the risk of reduced credibility if measures lag. (attribution: EU defense ministry briefing)
On a related note, the European Union’s top diplomat indicated that the bloc maintains a stockpile of ammunition ready for rapid deployment to Ukraine if needed. While insisting that the 1 million-shell pledge remains in force, officials signaled a flexible stance to ensure that Kyiv receives timely support even when fractures in supply lines appear. In this context, the union acknowledges the importance of maintaining a credible deterrent and ensuring that military aid remains substantial despite logistical challenges. The overarching goal is to sustain Ukraine’s defense and endurance in the face of ongoing aggression, with a focus on reliability and steady coordination among member states. (attribution: EU high representative briefing)