EU wants to ramp up ammunition production to help Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers prepare ammunition at the frontline near Vuhledar, Donetsk area.
The EU announced intentions to increase large-scale weaponry manufacture to aid Ukraine in its fight with Russia and boost its geopolitical standing.

Analysts say Ukraine is ready to begin a spring counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territory, but it is burning through ammunition fast. Kyiv has requested more ammunition from Western allies.

“Let’s give first and deliver what Ukraine needs immediately. Because again, we know exactly what’s occurring on the ground,” said EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton.

He wants to fund the ASAP with at least 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) to supply Ukraine and replace member countries’ ammunition stocks. EU funds and member states would cover half the cost.

After decades of peace and NATO protection, European Union members have underinvested in ammunition manufacture. As war looms, the 27-nation alliance intends to produce ammunition at record speed.
Breton said the EU still has a huge production base, especially in the east, that could be used with concentration.

He stated, “I am confident that we could upskill our industrial base to be able to produce at least 1 million (rounds of) ammunition in Europe for Ukraine” during the next year.

Beyond Wednesday’s pledges to increase production, the EU has already spent 1 billion euros to ship ammunition to Kyiv from member states’ stocks and promised to increase joint procurement.

The EU has been criticized for lacking military power to match its economic might. Its low military stockpiles and delayed manufacturing harmed its international status.

EU ASAP aims to change that.

“This is a critical part of Europe‘s strategic capacity to defend its interests and values and help maintain peace on our continent,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

NATO allies and partners have delivered over 98% of Ukraine’s promised combat vehicles and munitions.

Last week, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg claimed Ukraine’s partners provided “vast amounts of ammunition” and trained and equipped more than nine additional Ukrainian units.

Stoltenberg said the 31 NATO members, which include most EU nations, were committed to strengthening Ukraine’s military and that taking back areas the Kremlin’s soldiers captured would strengthen Kyiv’s position in peace talks.

As Ukraine prepares to start its spring counteroffensive, the U.S. is delivering $300 million in military supplies, including a massive amount of artillery rounds, howitzers, air-to-ground rockets, and ammunition.