The European Union has supplied Ukraine with nearly 1 million artillery shells.

(CLO) The European Union (EU) has provided more than 980,000 artillery shells to Ukraine in the war with Russia and is expected to reach the 1 million mark by the end of this year, according to a statement by Mr. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Policy on November 11.

Initially, the EU aimed to deliver 1 million 155mm artillery shells by March 2024, but actual production fell short of expectations.

A Ukrainian serviceman checks artillery shells at a frontline position, at an undisclosed location in southern Ukraine, on October 25, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Ivan Antypenko

"I know that we committed to achieving this goal by spring - and we failed. But we can do it by the end of the year," Borrell told Ukraine's European Pravda newspaper.

Meanwhile, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said a separate Prague-led initiative would also supply 500,000 artillery shells to Ukraine before the end of 2024.

Ukraine is also working to increase domestic defense production to reduce its dependence on military aid from allies and ensure stable supplies. Kiev's top defense official revealed that Ukraine has increased production of mortar shells from zero before the Russian attack to millions a year.

This effort not only demonstrates the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine but also underscores Kiev's growing autonomy in defending its territory.

Hong Hanh (according to CNA, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-minh-chau-au-da-cung-cap-cho-ukraine-gan-1-trieu-qua-dan-phao-post320991.html