Both the EU and the US have cited specific difficulties in supplying weapons to Ukraine at the moment.
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| The EU may have to break its promise of 1 million artillery shells to Ukraine. (Source: AA) |
Under the plan put forward earlier this year, the EU pledged to supply artillery shells to Ukraine over a 12-month period, first from existing stocks, then through joint procurement contracts and increased production.
However, the European External Action Service recently informed EU diplomats that the EU may not meet its target by March 2024.
More than half the deadline has passed, the EU initiative has so far achieved only about 30% of its target and is at risk of missing the deadline, based on the number of contracts signed.
Supplying ammunition to Ukraine has become all the more urgent as Russia has been able to increase its own ammunition production.
As Ukraine braces for a protracted conflict, any shortages from Europe could become more acute if supplies and support from Washington also decline, perhaps especially after the 2024 US election.
The Pentagon said this week it has begun cutting military aid to Ukraine because of Congress' delay in providing additional funding.
Meanwhile, EU member states continue to argue over providing more military and financial aid to Ukraine. The deployment of some funds has been stalled due to hesitation and controversy among some countries.
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