The European Union has missed the deadline to provide Ukraine with one million artillery shells by March 2024. This was reported by the Bloomberg news agency citing sources.
Bloomberg reported that according to the plans of European officials announced in 2023, the EU pledged to supply Ukraine with artillery ammunition over a 12-month period. According to the agency, it was initially planned to send artillery ammunition to Kiev by using existing stocks, and then through joint procurement contracts and increased production capacity.
“More than half that time has passed and the initiative has so far reached about 30 per cent of its target and, based on the volume of contracts signed to date, is at risk of not reaching its goal,” Bloomberg reported.
According to the agency, the United States called on the European Union to step up efforts to produce artillery ammunition for Ukraine. In addition, Bloomberg noted that any small needs of Israel, including 155 mm shells for artillery, would have a negative impact on the capabilities of the AFU fighters.
Recall, earlier the press service of the state Corporation “Rostec” reported that the Russian military received the first batch of new modernised howitzers “Msta-S”. These vehicles are equipped with an updated automated guidance and fire control system (ASUNO-M) with improved accuracy characteristics. They also have the ability to display an electronic map of the terrain.