EU's Milestone: Supplying a Million Shells to Ukraine Amid War Efforts

The EU has provided Ukraine with over 980,000 shells to aid in its conflict with Russia, aiming to exceed a million by year's end. Initial production targets fell short, but expect fulfillment by December. Czech's separate initiative adds 500,000 shells, supporting Ukraine's growing local production.

The European Union has delivered more than 980,000 artillery shells to Ukraine to bolster its resistance against Russia, according to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. The goal is to surpass the one million mark by year-end.

Initial plans targeted the delivery of 1 million 155-mm artillery shells by March 2024. However, production capacity issues delayed progress. Borrell expressed confidence in meeting the target by December. "I know that we made a commitment to reach this level by spring – and we failed. But we can do it by the end of the year," he told Ukraine's European Pravda.

Meanwhile, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced Prague's independent initiative will have delivered an additional 500,000 shells to Ukraine by year-end. Simultaneously, Ukraine has ramped up domestic production of mortar shells, producing millions since Russia's invasion, to decrease reliance on foreign military aid.

(With inputs from agencies.)