EU Nears Shell Pledge to Ukraine Amidst Production Challenges

Almost One Million Shells Delivered to Ukraine, Reveals EU Diplomat

According to recent reports in The Kyiv Independent, over the course of 2024, the European Union (EU) has dispatched 980,000 artillery shells to Ukraine. This is in relation to one million that were initially pledged, as disclosed on November 11 by Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat.

The Challenge of Fulfilling the Promise

The delivery shortfall was elucidated by Borrell who stated that it occurred due to the unintended constrain of production capacity. Despite this setback, the total yield of EU-provided ammo to Ukraine is expected to surpass 1.5 million shells by the conclusion of the year. This projection takes into consideration both bilateral agreements with the EU and a separate initiative led by the Czech Republic.

Czech-led Initiative Delivers Additional Support

The Czech Republic, assisted by countries such as Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, has struck a campaign aiming to deliver up to 800,000 shells. As of mid-2024, Czechia has already shipped out 50,000 units. This initiative was announced earlier in the year as a coordinated effort to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine, a response due to the deficiencies primarily precipitated by US aid delays.

In addition to this, Ukraine and Czechia have agreed to an arrangement for the manufacturing of 155-mm and other large-caliber ammunition within Ukraine by the year 2025.

Support Beyond Governmental Aid

This initiative has also found supporters outside of governmental structures. Activists in Slovakia collected more than 4 million euros (equivalent to $4.3 million) for this cause after the Slovak government chose not to participate. Furthermore, Jana Cernochova, the Czech Defense Minister, declared in an interview with the Denik N newspaper in late July that Prague is preparing an additional announcement for a new initiative to purchase artillery ammunition for Ukraine in 2025.